NPFL: IMC roll out fresh sanctions

A series of disciplinary sanctions were rolled out by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday and ElKanemi Warriors was one of the clubs heavily affected, having previously been under investigation. They were fined by the IMC arm of the NPFL and asked to play their remaining fixtures of the first half of the season behind closed doors. In its findings, the IMC found the host team (ElKanemi Warriors) to have breached Rule B13.52 for failing to provide adequate and effective security for all persons involved in the match, which led to the destruction of the camera tripod of the away team and disagreements before the resumption of the second half. ElKanemi Warriors have now been slammed with a fine of ₦500,000 for failure to provide adequate and effective security, ₦250,000 being compensatory payment to coach Monday Odigie of Bendel Insurance and an order to replace the damaged camera tripod of Bendel Insurance. Meanwhile, coach of Bayelsa United, Deprieye Tebowei, received a stern warning following his comments on officiating in the league and asked to be of good conduct. “The respondent and officials of Bayelsa United are further advised to direct their grievances and complaints through the official channels in the future”, the IMC further advised. Lobi Stars, Enyimba and Abia Warriors had their requests for fixture adjustment turned down by the IMC. Lobi wanted their Matchday 7 fixture against Dakkada in Jos rescheduled, while Abia Warriors also made a similar request for their game against Wikki Tourists. On the other hand, Enyimba were requesting a change in date for their Matchday 8 game against Shooting Stars in Aba. Consequently, Abia Warriors have been directed to host Wikki Tourists at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on the same date, just as Lobi were advised to make adequate arrangements to play their Matchday 7 game on the previously scheduled date which is February 11. In a separate development, the home ground of Abia Warriors, the Umu