Nigerian Football
Club administrators banned from technical benches in Nigeria Premier League
In another step to ensure a successful conclusion of the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season that has neared the last stretch, the league organisers have again issued two practice directives to guard against disruptive conducts.
In two separate memo to clubs signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, their attention was drawn to protocols guiding sitting on the technical bench and proper conduct of Ball Boys.
Frowning against observed deviation from the established protocol on the use of the technical bench, the memo noted, “We would want to remind all clubs of the proper usage of the technical bench as regards those that are permitted to sit on it during matches.
“The Technical Bench is a reserved area strictly designated for substitute players, coaches and backroom staff with defined roles to play in the course of a match”.
The memo warned that Clubs Chairmen and General Managers must refrain from sitting in the technical bench during matches. On untoward behaviour of Ball Boys to disrupt the flow of matches, the NPFL called for a halt to this growing trend.
“Such actions, including withholding balls, delayed return of balls to the field and other related disruptions are completely unacceptable.
“We must emphasise that these actions not only go against the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, but also constitute a clear breach of Rules 1.1 of the Frameworks and Rules”. Clubs were reminded that in accordance with the rules, a fine of N1m would be imposed an erring clubs.
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
The Nigerian Premier Football League burst into life this Sunday with eight matches on the card and contrasting results. Three of the eight matches resulted in away wins signalling level playing field of the league.
It is a sharp departure from the past seasons when it is almost predictable that home teams would win. Remo Stars, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes have away wins and with scoring multiple goals.
Remo Stars won against Abia Warriors by 2-0. Enyimba came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Heartland while Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 2-1 away from home.
- Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
- Sunshine 3-0 Bayelsa: Saidu Salisu
- Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United
- Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
- Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars
- Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United
- Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City
- Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars
The Nigerian football fields are set agog again as the Nigeria Premier Football League gets underway with the Season 2024/25.
The opening matches are not staggered as in the previous seasons. Rather, all the matches will be played simultaneously at 4 pm.
Sunshine Stars are hosting Bayelsa United. Bendel Insurance will host Rivers United.
Bendel Insurance begin another title race to see if they can be crownd Nigerian champions. They last won the Nigeria topmost league in 1979.
Former Enyimba and Super Eagles’ coach, Finidi George opens his bew adventure in Port Harcourt with a home game of Rivers United against Bendel Insurance.
Crowd-pulling Kano Pillars will clash with new comers, Ikorodu City. Kano Pillars, with a passionate home crowd, are always a formidable opponents.
Kwara United will look to dominate at home as they host Niger Tornadoes.
The Oriental Derby will be in Owerri as Heartland FC, lucky escapee into the top league will host Enyimba FC. Heartland which took the place of Beyon Limit Academy of Ikenne be looking to make a strong start at home after re-invigorating their squad with new signings and trimming old legs.
Their coach, Emmanuel Amuneke will also have to prove his mettle in the club.
Other matches on Sunday include Abia Warriors versus Remo Stars, Nasarawa United versus Shooting Stars, and Plateau United will host Katsina United.
Lobi Stars who are consistent performers will aim to secure an early win against Akwa United on Monday.
Akwa United struggled and escape relegation last season. But the team has re-energised their squad with new signings.
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