Sports
146 Goals Scandal: Stakeholders Applaud Life Ban Of Perpetrators
Some stakeholders in football in Nigeria, have commended Nigeria Football Association (NFA) for its verdict on the four clubs involved in the scandalous matches in Bauchi.
They said that the decision would help to ensure sanity among those involved in soccer at all levels.
All four clubs, players and match officials involved in the match fixing at the Nigeria Nationwide League promotion play-off in Bauchi were banned for life by NFA.
In the matches, Plateau United Feeders of Plateau defeated Akurba of Nasarawa State, 79-0, while Police Machine of Adamawa defeated Bubayero of Gombe 67-0.
Abdullahi Abubakar, the FCT FA Secretary, said in Abuja that the verdict was “a bold and courageous step’’.
“It is a shame and an embarrassment as they colluded to carry out an act they knew full well was wrong.
“I am happy NFA took a decision on this as it will set as an example to others and in the future,’’ he said.
The secretary also blamed the situation on similar cases, which occurred in the past but were not punished.
Abubakar said this was not the first time such act happened, adding that it also happened in Zamfara and Calabar, where senior teams were involved but were not punished.
“If those teams were sanctioned, it could have deterred these junior teams from doing same,” he added.
Chairman Nigerian Coaches Association (NCA) FCT Chapter, Godwin Bamigboye, hailed NFA, saying that match-fixing was not a good thing and should not be encouraged.
“The sanction is a welcome development and I am happy with the decision. The punishment is nice approach in checking the practice,’’ Bamigboye said.
A football enthusiast, Chijioke Okoye also said the NFA decision was justified and the sanction well-deserved.
“This has brought nothing but shame to Nigerian football. Such a ban will act as a deterrent to people who may want to perpetrate such acts in future.
“The international community will also be aware that Nigeria has not condoned such acts of impunity in the game of football,’’ Okoye said.
An Abuja-based businessman, Faith Ajide, blamed the leadership of the clubs and said that NFA should have been lenient on the players as the decision had tarnished their future.
“NFA should consider the players, as some of them may be good and talented. A lighter punishment should have been given to them.
“The leaderships of the club are the ones that deserved the wrath of the NFA,’’ Ajide said.
Another football enthusiast, Adeyemo Feranmi also blamed the officials of the match for the scandalous score lines, stressing that the life ban on the players could not be justified.
“The match officials should be able to account for the score lines of the matches, so they should be held responsible for the outcome.
“Therefore, NFA should not have disciplined the players with so much severity,” Feranmi said.
An Abuja-based business woman, Jessy Kadiri, hailed the decision on the clubs but added that sanctioning the referees was wrong.
“It is not the duty of the referee to end a match because of the number of goals scored. If the goals scored were right, the referee had no reason to cancel the goals.
“The referee would have cancelled the goals if they came through foul-play. I think the referees did their job,” she said.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
