Scathing response as NPFL takes a month-long break to accommodate delayed matches.
In a move that has drawn the ire of Nigerian football fans and media, the Nigerian Premier Football League, NPFL, has announced a month-long break to accommodate the outstanding fixtures of one club, Rivers United.
The decision, which will see the league pause after Matchday 32 this weekend, has been met with scathing criticism from prominent voices in the Nigerian football community.
10:58 - 23.04.2024
NPFL Finidi bullish on Enyimba's chances despite dropped points against Sunshine Stars
Super Eagles interim manager Finidi George has promised that his Enyimba boys will push until the NPFL ends after dropping two points against Sunshine Stars.
14:38 - 22.04.2024
Finidi George laments refereeing decisions, but stays upbeat after Enyimba's 'fair' draw with Sunshine
Enyimba Coach Finidi George was unhappy with the officiating against Sunshine Stars but expressed satisfaction with a hard-earned point.
NPFL faces backlash
Latifat Adebayo-Ohio, a respected photojournalist, took to social media to express her frustration, posting on X, formerly Twitter: "Somebody, please put this league up on Aliexpress!"
The sarcastic remark underscores the growing discontent with the perceived mismanagement of the domestic league.
Rivers United, who were recently eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup in the quarterfinals, have no fewer than six outstanding matches that have been rescheduled.
This has led the NPFL to suspend league action for an entire month, with Matchday 33 set to resume on the weekend of May 25th and 26th.
The decision has sparked a wave of criticism, with many fans and Football League followers questioning the league's priorities and the fairness of accommodating one club's fixtures at the expense of the entire league's schedule.
"This doesn’t make sense at all,” another disappointed fan Alex Ndace wrote on X. “What is this, @LMCNPFL? You’ve got to be kidding us. Not a day passes without the governing body of football in this country hit[sic] us with another low.”
"How. The whole league on a month break for Rivers?" Another aggrieved fan, Hillary Remy, added amongst other reactions.
The NPFL's move has raised concerns about the potential impact on the league's competitiveness and the fairness of the title race.
With the break coming at a crucial stage of the season, some teams may feel that their momentum and chances of success have been unfairly disrupted.
The NPFL will be under pressure to justify its decision and demonstrate a more coherent and equitable approach to managing the domestic league in the future as lovers and followers of the league continue to voice their displeasure.
Related content
18:14 - 13.03.2024
Lobi Stars beat Rivers United like drum to go two points clear
As the NPFL unfolds, the battle for supremacy continues to excite fans, with Lobi Stars stamping their authority and leaving Rivers United to navigate the currents of disappointment.
20:02 - 17.02.2024
Why Sporting Lagos are happy to sacrifice style in pursuit of points in the NPFL
Sporting Lagos manager Paul Offer explains the idea behind shelving philosophy to grind out results in the NPFL.
11:54 - 29.10.2023
NPFL Preview: Sporting Lagos, 3SC to win, United and Bayelsa brace for slippery fights
All you need to know about the action-packed matchday in the NPFL featuring Sporting Lagos, Shooting Stars, Rivers United and Bayelsa United.
21:41 - 10.07.2023
Sugar ball rules as Akwa United end Rivers United's Naija Super 8 dream
Former NPFL champions Rivers United have been sent packing from the Naija Super 8 after back-to-back defeats.
15:46 - 29.06.2023
Super Eagles: Ex-Barcelona star Amuneke knocks 'impatient' NPFL clubs, proffers solutions
Former Super Eagles and FC Barcelona winger Emmanuel Amuneke outlined solutions that will see more players from the NPFL be considered as good enough for the Super Eagles.
21:53 - 01.04.2024
De Bruyne Who? 24-year-old Nigerian star creates 10 chances in dominant CAFCC display vs USM Alger
Ukeme Williams proved decisive as Nigeria's sole representative Rivers United defeated USM Alger in their CAFCC quarterfinal first leg in Uyo.
21:51 - 26.06.2023
Terrific — Bendel Insurance continue to gush over Ini-Obong's wonder goal vs Rivers United
FA Cup winners Bendel Insurance are still gushing over Okon Ini-Obong's Puskas-worthy goal against Rivers United in the Naija Super 8.
19:34 - 25.06.2023
Okon Iniobong: Son of the soil's Puskas-worthy goal not enough for Insurance to stop Rivers United
Bendel Insurance inspired by Okon Iniobong suffered another heartbreak from former NPFL champions Rivers United.
06:45 - 11.06.2023
Enyimba vs Rivers United: Kick off time and Where to watch the top of the table clash
Enyimba and Rivers United will battle each other in the NPFL Super 6 Playoffs with the league title at stake.
14:33 - 08.06.2023
NPFL 6 damning STATs that define the NPFL Super 6
All you need to know about the NPFL Super 6 Playoffs, stats, table, fixtures, and more as the final phase of the season reaches a crucial stage.
23:00 - 07.06.2023
NPFL Super 6: Wasteful Rivers United held by Lobi Stars in uninspiring game
The NPFL Super 6 had a day to forget on matchday 3 with the game between defending champions Rivers United and Lobi Stars summing it up.