Sports
Illegal betting: NPFL Upgrades inquest to full Investigation
Joel Ajayi
The case of a former Plateau United goalkeeper whose identity is being shielded, has now been raised to full investigation that will involve the invitation of some players whose names were mentioned during the inquest. However, the suspension of the goalkeeper from registering by any club for the season has been lifted pending the outcome of the escalated investigation.
An inquest to ascertain the veracity of the allegations was held on Thursday last week during which the goalkeeper appeared with his legal representative at the NPFL office in Abuja.
“The NPFL has now written to commend the player for cooperating with the panel and offering further insights that has necessitated a wider investigation involving some others” disclosed Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer who led the inquest.
In a written communication to the player, the NPFL stated that the information obtained during the inquest and other independent findings has led to the expansion to a full investigation that will involve all those whose names featured in some WhatsApp exchanges that are in the possession of the league.
“It is only fair that your career is not jeopardised while investigation hasn’t been concluded, hence the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted. You are free to register for any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation”, a letter to the player read.
The goalkeeper had been invited to an investigative panel set up by the NPFL to determine his culpability or innocence in allegations of involvement in illegal betting.
The NPFL had received a report that the player declined to sign a contract form at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) which had a clause forbidden participation in betting activities.
The player had his registration with any NPFL club suspended pending the conclusion of investigations.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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