Abia Warriors have petitioned the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over the ₦3.25 million fine imposed on the club and the five-match suspension handed to their multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe.
The Umuahia-based club is challenging the disciplinary measures following its Matchday 10 fixture against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
The NPFL sanctioned Abia Warriors after accusing the club of failing to provide adequate security and an official of attempting to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a member of the league’s broadcast partner.
However, Abia Warriors have disputed the allegations, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident require a fair and objective review. The club has asked the league to reconsider the punishment imposed on Igwe and review the separate allegation concerning matchday security.
One of the major issues raised in the club’s appeal is the five-match suspension imposed on Igwe, which prevents the multimedia officer from participating in NPFL activities at both home and away fixtures.
Abia Warriors described the suspension as excessive and unjustified, denying that Igwe attempted to stop or disrupt the broadcast crew from carrying out its duties.
According to the club’s account, Igwe expressed displeasure over what she considered poor officiating after the broadcast camera remained focused on her for an unusually long period.
The club claimed that she merely advised the cameraman to direct the camera towards the visiting team’s section after spending considerable time covering the home side.
Abia Warriors maintained that the exchange did not amount to an attempt to disrupt the live transmission. The club urged the NPFL to examine the circumstances objectively before deciding whether the suspension should stand.
The club also stressed the importance of maintaining professional relationships with the league’s broadcast partners while insisting that disciplinary decisions should be based on a fair assessment of the available evidence.
Abia Warriors have also challenged the NPFL’s allegation that they failed to provide adequate security during the match against Niger Tornadoes.
The league had accused the club of failing to implement the security arrangements agreed upon at the pre-match technical meeting, an alleged breach of the 2026/2027 NPFL Framework and Rules.
In its response, Abia Warriors insisted that adequate security arrangements were in place for the fixture.
The club argued that footage from the live broadcast could help establish what happened at the stadium and urged the league to examine the recordings before reaching a decision.
Abia Warriors also stated that Niger Tornadoes departed the stadium without molestation or any reported security incident. The club suggested that the visiting team could independently confirm the circumstances surrounding its departure.
It consequently called on the NPFL to review the security allegation and withdraw the notice, maintaining that the available evidence should be considered before any further disciplinary action is taken.
The NPFL imposed a total financial penalty of ₦3.25 million on Abia Warriors following the incidents surrounding the fixture.
The sanctions comprised a ₦1 million fine for failing to provide adequate security, a further ₦2 million for the alleged attempt to disrupt the live broadcast, and ₦250,000 in compensation for the affected broadcast crew member’s medical treatment.
The league also suspended Igwe from all NPFL activities for five matches, covering both home and away fixtures.
Abia Warriors were given 48 hours, within the stipulated working-day period from the date of notification, to appeal the sanctions. The club has now challenged the decisions and called for a review of the allegations and punishments.
The disciplinary dispute followed a difficult afternoon for Abia Warriors on the pitch, as they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Niger Tornadoes.
Wasiu Jimoh scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute, handing Niger Tornadoes their first away win of the season and ending Abia Warriors’ unbeaten home record.
The result was a setback for Abia Warriors, who had hoped to collect points on home soil. The club must now balance its efforts to improve its league performance with its attempt to resolve the disciplinary dispute with the NPFL.
Abia Warriors have reiterated their commitment to complying with NPFL regulations and maintaining constructive relationships with match officials, broadcast partners and other stakeholders.
The club is seeking the withdrawal of Igwe’s suspension and has asked the league to reconsider the sanction if it concludes that disciplinary action is still warranted.
Its challenge to the security allegation also centres on the need for transparency and an objective examination of the events surrounding the fixture.
As of the latest reports, the NPFL’s response to the club’s appeal had not been made public. The outcome will determine whether the sanctions remain in place or are reviewed following the club’s submissions.
