Sports
NPFL Fines Nasarawa United N3m, Deduct Three Points
Bottom-placed side in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nasarawa United, have been dealt more blows in their relegation battle after the NPFL board slammed a three-point and three goals deduction as well as a N3million fine on them over the violence which rocked their match-day 18 encounter against Rivers United.
Nasarawa United were punished for breaching the NPFL Framework and Rules including failure to ensure proper conduct of their team and fans which led to the assault on their visitors.
They were also charged with encroachment onto the pitch and assault on match referee Musibaudeen Ibrahim.
“Three points and three goals shall be deducted from Nasarawa Utd’s accrued points and goals for the assault on centre referee Musibaudeen Ibrahim,” the NPFL said on Monday.
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“Nasarawa Utd will pay a fine of N3 million, being N1 million each for encroachment onto the pitch, failure to ensure proper conduct of their team & supporters & failure to provide adequate & effective security.”
The league body also ruled that the club will play their subsequent home matches behind closed doors when the league resumes on January 25.
“The Lafia City Stadium will be closed indefinitely to fans until security is enhanced and the state box is barricaded with the club directed to give feedback on compliance to #NPFL25 security department.
“Nasarawa Utd has been ordered to identify and prosecute the individual(s) involved in assaulting the away team with details of their progress submitted to NPFL within seven working days of this notice.”
Former Rivers United media officer, Sammy Wejinya, who is now a media aide to the River State Sports Commissioner, Chris Green, who was assaulted during the game had also been banned from all NPFL-related activities until the end of the season for spreading misleading information about the incident.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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