Abia Warriors have challenged the Nigeria Premier Football League’s decision to suspend their Multimedia Officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, for five matches, while disputing the league’s allegation of inadequate security during their Matchday 10 fixture against Niger Tornadoes.
Abia Warriors FC have appealed to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to withdraw the five-match suspension imposed on their Multimedia Officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, insisting that her conduct during their home fixture against Niger Tornadoes has been misinterpreted.
The Umuahia-based club is also contesting an allegation that it failed to provide adequate security for the encounter played on Sunday, October 25, 2026, asking the league to review the circumstances surrounding the match before reaching a final decision.
The appeal follows disciplinary action announced by the NPFL after the fixture, in which the league accused the club of failing to provide the security arrangements agreed upon at the pre-match technical meeting and alleged that a club official attempted to disrupt the live broadcast by harassing a member of the broadcast crew. The league considered the alleged conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.
Abia Warriors dispute broadcast interference allegation
In its formal submission, Abia Warriors described Igwe’s five-match suspension as excessive and unjustified, arguing that she did not attempt to prevent the broadcast crew from carrying out its duties.
According to the club, Igwe had expressed displeasure over what she perceived as poor officiating after the broadcast camera allegedly remained focused on her for an unusually long period during the match.
The club maintained that her intervention was limited to advising the cameraman to move towards the visiting team’s section after spending considerable time covering the home side.
Abia Warriors insisted that Igwe neither attempted to stop the broadcast nor obstruct the cameraman in the performance of his official responsibilities.
The club urged the NPFL to consider the circumstances surrounding the exchange objectively, arguing that the incident should be assessed fairly before the disciplinary measure is upheld.
While acknowledging the importance of the league’s broadcast partners and the need to protect their personnel, Abia Warriors stressed that professionalism, fairness and mutual respect must underpin relationships between clubs and other stakeholders.
Club challenges security charge
Abia Warriors have also challenged the separate allegation of inadequate security, disputing the basis of the league’s notice under Rule 8.13.52 of the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH NPFL Framework and Rules.
The club maintained that adequate security arrangements were in place for the fixture and argued that the live broadcast footage should provide an objective basis for assessing the situation at the stadium.
It further claimed that Niger Tornadoes departed the venue without molestation or any reported security incident, suggesting that the visiting club could independently confirm the circumstances surrounding its departure.
Abia Warriors therefore asked the league to review the footage and seek confirmation from Niger Tornadoes before determining whether the club failed to meet its matchday security obligations.
The club wants the notice withdrawn, maintaining that the allegations require a fair assessment of the available evidence.
However, its account of the visiting team’s departure and the adequacy of the security arrangements represents the club’s defence; it does not, on its own, resolve the league’s allegations.
Financial penalties also at stake
The appeal comes with financial consequences for the club beyond Igwe’s suspension.
The NPFL imposed a ₦1 million fine on Abia Warriors for failing to provide adequate security as agreed at the pre-match technical meeting, alongside a ₦2 million fine over the alleged attempt to disrupt the live broadcast.
The club was also directed to pay ₦250,000 in compensation to the affected broadcast crew member for treatment of an injury reportedly sustained during the incident, bringing the total financial penalty to ₦3.25 million.
The disciplinary action formed part of a wider round of sanctions announced against clubs following incidents during Matchday 10, with the league also punishing Warri Wolves and Katsina United over separate security and misconduct breaches.
Abia Warriors seek reconsideration
The club has reiterated its commitment to complying with NPFL regulations and maintaining constructive relationships with the league, match officials, broadcast partners and other stakeholders.
It is asking the league to withdraw Igwe’s five-match suspension or, alternatively, reconsider the sanction if disciplinary action is deemed necessary.
Abia Warriors have also called for fairness, transparency and due process in the consideration of both the broadcast-related allegation and the security charge.
The outcome of the appeal could determine whether the suspension and associated financial penalties stand or are revised.
As of the time of this report, no decision on Abia Warriors’ appeal had been established from the information available.
