Nasarawa United’s relegation fight has taken a major hit after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) handed them severe sanctions for violent incidents during their match-day 18 clash with Rivers United.
The league body penalized the Lafia-based club with a three-point and three-goal deduction, alongside a N3 million fine, citing multiple breaches of league regulations.
The violence, which included pitch encroachment and an assault on match referee Musibaudeen Ibrahim, has drawn widespread condemnation.
In its ruling, the NPFL stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and ensuring the safety of match officials and teams.
“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 league announced on Monday.
Additionally, Nasarawa United’s home matches will now be played behind closed doors, while the Lafia City Stadium has been indefinitely closed to fans until the club demonstrates enhanced security measures.
The club is also required to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence, with progress reports to be submitted to the NPFL within seven days.
Breakdown of Sanctions:
Points and goals deduction: Three points and three goals
Fines: N1 million each for pitch encroachment, failure to control fans, and inadequate security (total N3 million)
Closed-door matches: Indefinite closure of Lafia City Stadium to fans
These sanctions highlight the NPFL’s commitment to curbing violence and enforcing professionalism across the league.