Sports

NPFL Queries Akwa United Over Threat To Broadcast Partner

Published

6 months ago

December 13, 2024

…Club welfare officer faces misconduct charge

Joel Ajayi

Akwa United FC of Uyo has been reprimanded by the Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL, for threatening the crew of Propel Sports Africa ,PSA, the Over the Top ,OTT, broadcast streaming partners of the league.

Similarly, the Welfare Officer of the club, identified only as Mr. Asuquo was invited to face a disciplinary panel over threats he was seen on a video footage issuing to the broadcast crew.

In a letter titled, “warning on unprofessional conduct of club officials”, the NPFL expressed concern that such actions may have grave consequences on contractual obligations to partners.

“It has come to our attention that in the course of your Match Day 16 fixture, Akwa United vs. Bendel Insurance, played on Monday, December 10, 2024, your Welfare Officer, Mr. Asuquo, harassed and intimidated the technical staff of Propel Sports Africa, the OTT Broadcast partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League ,NPFL.

“Acts of this nature expose the league to significant legal risks, reputation damage, and financial costs”, stated the letter signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer.
It went on to remark that such behavior falls far short of the expected standards of professionalism and contravenes the principles underpinning the league’s operations.

The club was warned that a repeat occurrence of such or similar conduct will attract severe sanctions against both your club and the errant official.

Akwa United was directed to take all necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future.

In specifically address the said Mr. Asuquo, invited him to face an inquest on Wednesday, December 18 at its office in Abuja.

“In light of the seriousness of this matter, you are invited to appear before an inquest to explain your actions and provide any necessary clarification”, the letter stated and reminded him that his attendance is mandatory while failure to appear may lead to further disciplinary actions.

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Sports

August 22 Set as Kick-Off Date for 2025/26 NPFL Season

Published

6 hours ago

June 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Following what many have described as one of the most successful football seasons in recent years, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the 2025/26 season will commence on August 22 and run through May.

Elegbeleye made this known on Friday during a press briefing held to review the just-concluded season and unveil plans for the upcoming campaign.

According to him, the decision to announce the kickoff date early is to ensure that the NPFL aligns with the international football calendar.

“We called this briefing to review the achievements of the past season and to inform Nigerians about the date for the new season, in line with global football standards,” he stated.

“This is perhaps the first time in nearly 20 years since the start of the modern NPFL era in 2005 — that both kickoff and closing dates have been strictly adhered to. It’s a promise we made and a promise we’ve delivered,” Elegbeleye stated.
He added that the new season will begin on August 22, 2025, and conclude in May 2026, maintaining the calendar structure established in the previous season.

Reviewing the recently concluded 2024/25 season, which ran from August 31, 2024, to May 25, 2025, Elegbeleye highlighted several milestones and statistical achievements.

He noted that Remo Stars made history by clinching the league title with three matches to spare after defeating Niger Tornadoes on Matchday 35, April 27. Remo Stars finished at the top of the table, followed by Rivers United and Abia Warriors.

In total,380 matches were played across the season. Each of the 20 clubs played 19 home and 19 away games, 286 matches were won, while 94 ended in draws.

A total of 784 goals were scored, comprising 552 at home and 232 away goals.60 goals came from the penalty spot, with 16 penalties missed. 13 own goals were recorded, and there were four hat-tricks.

On discipline: 1,380 yellow cards and 56 red cards were issued.

As Yusuf Anas of Nasarawa United topped the list with 18 goals, including two hat-tricks.
He was followed by veteran Rabiu Ali with 13 goals, and Anthony Ijoma of Abia Warriors with 12 goals.

Isaac Saviour (Rangers) and Amadu Liman also recorded a hat-trick each.

He added that: “Out of the 380 matches played:188 were broadcast live by StarTimes, while Propel streamed over 200 matches online.

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