Following an incident during a Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 17 encounter between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme FC in Dutse on Saturday, the league administration has imposed a one-year ban on an unnamed player from Jigawa Golden Stars.
The player allegedly used both hands to push the ball into the net, denying the visiting team a point, the NNL Chairman, George Aluo, confirmed this development in an interview on Sunday.
Additionally, the Refereeing Development Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation expelled the two referees involved in the match, Zaharadeen Nasiru (from Katsina State) and his assistant, Usman Auwalu (from Borno State).
A viral video captured the controversial moment where a cross into Sporting Supreme’s box was handballed twice, initially by a player attempting to score with both hands, and then eventually turned home by another player’s hand.
Despite the clear infringement, the home team celebrated their goal as the nearby referee signaled for a goal.
“The Jigawa player shirted No. 9, who seemed to be playing volleyball, had a one-year ban placed on him for bringing the game to disrepute, while Jigawa has been slammed with a N1m fine for not providing adequate security,” Aluo said.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s Referees’ Committee promptly responded to the incident on Sunday by expelling the two officials involved.
A statement signed by Mohammed Ameenu, on behalf of the NFF Referees’ Committee chairman and addressed to Nasiru and Auwalu, read: “In view of the serious nature of the decisions taken in your week 17 match involving Jigawa Golden Stars FC and Sporting Supreme FC played in Dutse, wherein your actions brought refereeing and the game in Nigeria into disrepute, I am directed to notify you that you have been expelled with immediate effect from the League and refereeing generally.”
