NNL: Jigawa fined N1m, player banned, refs expelled
Following the incident on Saturday during the Nigeria National League matchday 17 between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme FC in Dutse, the league body has banned an unidentified Jigawa Golden Stars player for a year for allegedly pushing the ball into the net with both hands in an attempt to deny their visitors a point. George Aluo, the NNL chairman, said as much in a Sunday interview.
On Sunday, the Nigeria Football Federation's Refereeing Development Unit removed Zaharadeen Nasiru (Katsina State) and his helper, Usman Auwalu (Borno State), from their roles as referees for the game.
A cross into Sporting Supreme's box was handballed twice in an embarrassing incident captured on camera. The player initially attempted to score with both hands, but his attempt was unsuccessful, and another player ultimately turned the ball home. The referee, who was nearby, pointed to the centre circle as the home team wheeled away in celebration of their manufactured goal.
"Jigawa has been slammed with a N1m fine for not providing adequate security, while the Jigawa player who shirted No. 9, who appeared to be playing volleyball, has been placed under a one-year ban for bringing the game into disrepute," Aluo stated.
The two offending officials were immediately dismissed by the Nigeria Football Federation's Referees Committee as a swift response to the event on Sunday.
A statement signed by Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the NFF Referees' Committee chairman and addressed to Nasiru and Auwalu said, "In light of the serious nature of the decisions taken in your week 17 match involving Jigawa Golden Stars FC and Sporting Supreme FC played in Dutse, wherein your actions brought refereeing and the game in Nigeria into disrepute, I am directed to notify you that you have been expelled with immediate effect from the league and refereeing generally."
Along with other incompetent referees who recently rendered contentious calls, the NNL also made choices on the match between Ijebu United and Osun United, which concluded 1-0 in favour of the home team at Jebu-Ode.
Some of the players were hospitalised after a scuffle between them and alleged hoodlums was captured on camera outside the Dipo Dina Stadium's main bowl and went viral.
"We have also asked the authority in charge of refereeing to delist Henry Akwara from Imo State, who officiated Warri Wolves vs. Ikorodu United the previous weekend, as well as the officials that officiated Sokoto United vs. Kebbi, Calabar Rovers vs. Ekiti United, and Ijebu United vs. Osun United.
"We don't want to see these bad apples manage NNL games for the remainder of the season. Aluo continued, "We don't want anyone to interfere with our attempts to cleanse the league.
