Due to recurrent cases of violence at match venues in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season, concerns have been raised by keen followers of the Nigerian topflight. Incidents of violence have long plagued the NPFL, with one of the ugliest scenes recorded at the 2019 play-offs in Lagos involving fans of Kano Pillars.

This season, three clubs, namely Bayelsa United, Remo Stars, and Wikki Tourists, have had three points deducted from their accrued tallies as punishment for assaulting match officials by the league’s Interim Management Committee, while some other clubs have been fined for similar incidents.

To address the recurring trend, Rumson Baribote, former chairman of the NPFL, believes that state football associations must be independent to check the desperation of clubs. Baribote stated, “The state FAs are responsible for organizing matches, and if the FAs are collecting money from the clubs, it means they are not neutral.”

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A journalist, Olaoluwa Adeleye, also noted that match venues might no longer be safe for journalists, urging the Interim Management Committee to continue imposing sanctions on erring clubs.

A Wikki Tourists fan, Musa Tafida, however, noted that most of the violent cases were instigated by poor officiating, citing high emotions during games when fans see their team being affected by poor decisions.

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Sunshine Stars were also fined N1m by the Interim Management Committee recently, and the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Bamidele Ologunloluwa, said efforts have been made to sensitize the fans through seminars.

In the wake of reactions to some of its verdicts, the Interim Management Committee has reiterated its commitment to upholding fairness and transparency in their decisions.