The Nigeria National League (NNL) has imposed severe sanctions on Kebbi United FC after the club was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. The league’s disciplinary committee handed down a three-point deduction and a three-goal forfeiture for the match in question, alongside a financial penalty of one million naira.
The breach occurred during Kebbi United’s fixture against Yobe Desert Stars, where defender David Ibrahim participated despite not meeting registration requirements. The committee determined that the player’s inclusion constituted a clear violation of league eligibility regulations. This automatic punishment aligns with standard football governance protocols designed to maintain competitive integrity.
The investigation also cited unprofessional conduct from match commissioner Buhari Yahaya, who failed to report the ineligible player during the game. In a statement, NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana emphasized that the league “frowns at situations where a match official fails to report incidents involving an unlicensed player,” noting that such oversights undermine the eligibility clause. The commissioner’s omission was cited as an aggravating factor in the final decision.
Kebbi United now faces a critical juncture in their season. The point deduction and goal forfeiture will directly impact their league standings, potentially affecting their promotion or survival prospects. The club has been formally notified of its right to either accept the sanctions or lodge an appeal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the sport’s overarching governing body in the country.
This disciplinary action underscores the NNL’s commitment to enforcing player registration rules—a cornerstone of football competition worldwide. Eligibility violations, whether due to administrative error or deliberate oversight, are treated seriously by football authorities to ensure a level playing field. The involvement of a match official in the oversight further highlights systemic issues in matchday protocol that the league aims to address.
For Kebbi United, the immediate next step is a decision on appeal. If challenged, the case will proceed to the NFF’s adjudicatory chambers, where the sanctions could be upheld, modified, or overturned. The outcome will set a precedent for how similar breaches are handled in Nigeria’s second-tier football league.
The ruling reinforces that clubs and match officials are jointly responsible for upholding competition statutes. As the NNL season progresses, this decision serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of non-compliance with registration regulations, a fundamental principle across all levels of professional football.
