In a baffling decision that raises questions about consistency in Nigerian football, the NFF Disciplinary Committee has overturned the three-point deductions handed to Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United for fan misconduct.
Both clubs had been penalized after incidents of crowd trouble during their home fixtures last year, but nearly three months later, the committee ruled that the infractions were not “grievous” enough to warrant such punishment.
“The order in paragraph ‘e’ deducting three points and three goals from the accrued points/goals of Bendel Insurance FC by the NPFL is hereby set aside, on the ground that the assault on the match officials was not grievous as provided in Rule C11 of the Frameworks and Rules of the NPFL,” the NFF stated.
Instead of upholding the league’s authority, the committee demoted the match commissioner involved in the case, sending mixed signals about accountability.
The ruling comes as a major boost for Insurance, lifting them to mid-table with 31 points from 23 games ahead of their crucial clash with Niger Tornadoes. Nasarawa United, however, remain in the relegation zone with 25 points.
While the decision benefits the clubs, it sets a dangerous precedent—one that could embolden unruly fans against match officials and weaken efforts to maintain discipline in the league.
