Sanctions

By Olawale Lawanson Alabi

Abuja, July 16, 2025 (CrestNewsOnline) The Nigeria National League (NNL) secretariat has imposed several sanctions against the Wikki Tourists Football Club over several unruly acts by their players and officials on Saturday in Asaba.

The league’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Danlami Alanana, disclosed in Abuja on Wednesday that heavy fines totaling ₦3.75 million were imposed on the Bauchi-based clubside.

”This followed a series of disruptive and violent incidents recorded during their game with Warri Wolves FC at the just-ended 2024/2025 Super 8 competition at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba,” he stated in a letter to both the Bauchi State Football Association and Wikki Tourists FC.

“The behaviour of Wikki Tourists’ supporters and officials was unruly and below standard.”

Alanana cited multiple instances where fans threw objects at the match’s Assistant Referee II and onto the pitch, saying this created a hostile environment for officials, players and spectators alike.

CrestNewsOnline reports that the situation grew worse after the game’s final whistle, when supporters of Wikki Tourists invaded the pitch in a bid to confront match officials and staff of the NNL.

The ensuing chaos created fear and panic across the stadium, including among dignitaries in attendance, thereby tarnishing the image of what was meant to be a high-profile playoff fixture.

“The actions of Wikki Tourists’ supporters really jeopardised the beauty and glamour of a final match of a competition of that magnitude,” Alanana said.

In reaction to the disturbances, the NNL invoked Articles 16.1.1 and 27.1 of its regulatory framework to impose the following sanctions:

• ₦1 million fine for general disturbances by officials and supporters.

• ₦2 million fine for intimidation, harassment, object-throwing and pitch invasion.

• ₦750,000 fine for damage to stadium facilities, including pitch panels and advertising banners.

Alanana added that Wikki Tourists FC have a 24-hour window to either accept the sanctions or submit an appeal.

(www.crestnewsonline.ng)