NNL Sanctions Jigawa, Imposes Fine on Player, Expels Refereees

After an incident in a Nigeria National League match, NNL, a Jigawa Golden Stars player received a one-year ban for handballing the ball into the net.
The referees involved were expelled, and the league organization imposed fines and took actions against other officiating officials.
Measures were also taken to address player safety concerns following a brawl captured on video outside the stadium.

Eko Hot Blog reports that following an incident during a Nigeria National League, NNL, match-day 17 game between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme FC in Dutse on Saturday, the league organization has imposed a one-year ban on an unnamed player from Jigawa Golden Stars. The player allegedly used both hands to push the ball into the net, denying their opponents a point.

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Chairman of the NNL, George Aluo, stated this in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday.

The Refereeing Development Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation expelled the two referees, Zaharadeen Nasiru from Katsina State and his assistant, Usman Auwalu from Borno State, who officiated the game on Sunday.

A widely circulated video captured the embarrassing moment, depicting a cross into Sporting Supreme’s box being handballed twice.

Footage of the handball incident in the NNL match

The initial attempt by a player to score with both hands was thwarted, followed by another player eventually turning the ball home with their hands. The home team jubilated their concocted goal as the nearby referee signaled towards the center circle.

“The Jigawa player shirted No. 9, who seemed to be playing volleyball, had a one-year ban placed on him for bringing the game to disrepute, while Jigawa has been slammed with a N1m fine for not providing adequate security,” Aluo told The PUNCH.

The Referees’ Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation was quick to react to the incident on Sunday with the expulsion of the two erring officials.

“In view of the serious nature of the decisions taken in your week 17 match involving Jigawa Golden Stars FC and Sporting Supreme FC played in Dutse, wherein your actions brought refereeing and the game in Nigeria into disrepute.”

NNL Chairman, George Aluo

“I am directed to notify you that you have been expelled with immediate effect from the league and refereeing generally,” a statement signed by Mohammed Ameenu, on behalf of the NFF Referees’ Committee chairman and addressed to Nasiru and Auwalu, read.

The NNL also made rulings on the match between Ijebu United and Osun United, which concluded with a 1-0 victory for the home team in Ijebu-Ode. Additionally, actions were taken against other officiating officials who have made contentious decisions in recent times.

A viral video outside the main bowl of the Dipo Dina Stadium showed players in a brawl with suspected hoodlums, leaving some of the players hospitalised.