Nigerian Football
Gara Gombe throws light into NFF Appeal Committee’s relief for Remo Stars
One-time Gombe FA chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe and a major voice on Nigerian football has thrown light into the NFF Appeals Committee decision on the Remo Stars versus Gombe United match.
The match, which was one of the MatchDay 12 fixture in the Group A of the NPFL abridged league for the current season had to be concluded the following day, and with another referee when the designated referee refused to commence the second half of the game.
He claimed assault and injuries to his person by the General Manager of the home side, Ekene Adams. For the records, Sports Village Square reports that it is not unusual for an appeal committee to upturn a decision earlier made by a governing body. Otherwise, the appeal committee will just be a rubber stamp.
A recent global example is gleaned from the Italian Serie A where an earlier 15-point deduction imposed on Juventus was reversed by the supreme sports court of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) which last week accepted Juventus’ appeal.
Gara-Gombe titles his submission: “Between IMC and NFF- TOEFL as the newest prosecution witness on Remo Stars’ case”.
His submissions:
“The NFA Disciplinary committee recently inaugurated by Ibrahim Gusau had its baptism with the case brought before it on the decision of the IMC on allegations of wrong doing by Remo Stars FC and its officials for prejudicial conduct during their match against Gombe United FC.
“I know those reading this may wonder what the headline of this opinion means to the matter under reference.
“TOEFL means: Test of English as Foreign Language. It is an assessment test usually carried for prospective students seeking admission to foreign schools, especially universities.
“The fundamental issue in determining the Remo Stars’ case is the test of English. There were two key words – tapping and assault.
“Let us determine this first before we go into the matter proper as I understood it based on my findings. What is an assault and what is tapping?
“An assault is simply said to be the intentional use of force to cause harm on another person, while tapping is said simply to be a friendly way of drawing the attention of a person by another.
“A Remo Stars FC official precisely Hon.Ekene Adams, a member of House of Representatives- Elect from Kaduna State who is the General Manager of Remo Stars FC was reported to have gone into the dressing Room (a restricted Area)to assault the centre referee for issuing a red card to a Remo Stars player.
“On the other hand Hon Ekene Adams was said to have only tapped the referee in a friendly manner to complain about the red card.
“This made the centre referee not continue with the match citing an allegation of assault by Hon.Ekene Adams.
“It is clear that he who alleges has a burden of proof. Now let us take a look at the following issues:
“1. What was the evidence of assault that is so prejudicial to warrant the discontinuation of the match by the referee.?
“2. Where there are no witnesses in the referees dressing rooms to ascertain the commission of an assault or the incident that happened?
“3. Where was the Match Commissioner and the referee assessor?
“4. Was there no Ogun FA official or secretary on ground?
“5. Is an official of the home team said to commit trespass on match day if he finds his way to the Referees Dressing Room?
“6. Is the Referees Dressing Room a Restricred Area to an official of a Home Team.?
“7. What was in the match commissioners’ report and that of the referees report? Were they in agreement with each other?
“8. Did the alleged assault render the referee useless and could not continue with the match? If yes, why did the Assistant Referee 1 not continue with the match?
“9. Did the Match Commissioner agree with the centre referee to discontinue with the match? Why did he not, or did he order the Match Commissioner to continue with the match?
“10. On the security that was said to be inadequate, what was recorded during the pre-match meeting at the very meeting that security of a match is predetermined. Who is responsible for providing security – Remo Stars or Ogun F.A?
Take a look at this
“1. From what I know, no referee decides to discontinue a match in Nigeria without an external instruction. Last season it happened during Niger Tornadoes and Lobi Stars game in Minna.
“2. Whenever there is inadequate security the FA is to be sanctioned not clubs.
“3. There is no home team in our league that its officials don’t visit Referees Dressing Room at half time. Sometimes these officials even take drinks to them personally. They even visit their hotels before and after matches.
“4. Gombe United either due to inexperience or they are aware of a certain plan they should have just enter their bus and return to Gombe. Because they presented themselves for a match and after 45 minutes the officials refused to continue.They have no business staying a day after to replay or complete any game. It is no longer their business.
“5. Match commissioners, referees and assessors should be filing their reports within the stipulated time to avoid manipulation.
“Therefore, the Disciplinary Committee did a good job.
“1.However, after over ruling almost all the decisions of IMC, why sustained the suspension of Hon.Ekene Adams?
“2. I did not see where Ogun FA was not fined for inadequate security.
“3. The Match Commissioner should be reprimanded for allowing a match to start without adequate security.
“4. I know Remo Stars Chairman is a member of IMC but he does not attend meetings I hope it is not what I am thinking.
“5. The IMC Should not be carried away by their successes so far and the ‘media honeymoon’ they are enjoying they should not be hastily and be too hard in their decisions. Some of these reforms should be transitional. They should be using carrot and stick approach to affect meaningful reforms. Take it easy, but be firm. I come in peace..my opinion.”
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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