Level on points going into their final promotion
play-off matches, two rival Nigerian teams
needed a win with a good goal difference. But
when they reported goal tallies into the
dozens, the authorities stepped in.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on
Tuesday called the results from the games in
the northeastern city of Bauchi “a mind-
boggling show of shame.”
Looking to play with the professionals in
Nationwide League Division 3, Nigeria’s lowest
professional league, the amateur side Plateau
United Feeders were 7-0 up at half time against
Akurba FC in their final competition match on
Monday.
In the second half, Plateau United Feeders
reportedly scored a further 72 goals. That
equates to a goal every 40 seconds for a
continuous 45 minutes.
Their rivals, Police Machine, were leading
Babayaro FC 6-0 at halftime. In the second half,
Police Machine were reported to have scored 61
goals.
Plateau United Feeders claimed promotion to
the professional league on better goal
difference – until the NFF stepped in.
“The teams involved, their players and officials,
match officials, (tournament) coordinator and
anyone found to have played some role in this
despicable matter would (will) be severely
dealt with,” NFF director of competitions
Mohammed Sanusi said.
In the competition for promotion, Plateau and
Police both won their opening games 2-0, then
drew 0-0 when they met in the second round.
Going into the final round, the two teams were
level on points, so goal difference would be
decisive.
Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire said:
“We are setting up an investigation. We don’t
know exactly what happened. We just feel
scandalized.”
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