Murphy Ben International (MBI) has blamed its inability to broadcast the NPFL Matchday 11 encounter between Rivers United and Rangers International on the failure to secure access from the home club, raising fresh questions about media access and broadcast operations in Nigerian football.
Murphy Ben International (MBI), the production and broadcast partner of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), has issued an official public statement explaining why its production crew failed to provide coverage of Sunday’s high-profile Matchday 11 fixture between Rivers United and Rangers International in Port Harcourt.
In the statement released on Sunday, November 1, MBI said its production team was fully prepared to cover the encounter but could not proceed because the necessary access was allegedly not granted following circumstances surrounding the club’s refusal to allow its crew to carry out the planned production.
The organisation expressed regret over the development, particularly for football supporters who had anticipated watching the contest through MBI Sport.
“Despite our readiness and commitment to bringing the excitement of Nigerian football to fans across the country and beyond, the necessary access was not granted, making it impossible for our team to proceed with the planned production,” the statement read.
MBI did not provide further details about the nature of the access restrictions or disclose whether discussions had taken place with Rivers United before the match.
The company, however, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the NPFL, expanding the visibility of Nigerian football and delivering quality coverage to supporters.
It also pledged to continue engaging relevant stakeholders to ensure that football fans are not deprived of opportunities to follow their favourite teams.
Broadcast Setback Overshadows High-Profile NPFL Encounter
The development is particularly significant given the importance of the Rivers United versus Rangers fixture in the ongoing 2026/27 NPFL title race.
The two sides entered Matchday 11 level on 17 points, with Rivers United occupying the summit on goal difference, while defending champions Rangers had two outstanding matches.
The encounter eventually ended in a 1-1 draw, with Chijioke Mbaoma putting Rivers United ahead before Godwin Obaje equalised for Rangers. Obaje was subsequently sent off in the 69th minute.
The absence of MBI Sport’s planned production meant that viewers expecting the organisation’s coverage were unable to access the match through its platform.
With the NPFL seeking to improve the commercial value, visibility and broadcast reach of its competition, the latest incident highlights the importance of cooperation between clubs, league administrators and broadcast production partners.
While MBI has publicly stated its position, the circumstances surrounding the alleged denial of access remain unclear, and a response from Rivers United would be important in establishing the club’s position.
The incident also raises broader questions about the consistency of media access arrangements at NPFL venues and the operational challenges facing efforts to expand the television and digital coverage of domestic football.
For a league seeking to attract wider audiences, commercial investment and stronger media partnerships, ensuring that broadcast crews can carry out their assignments without unnecessary disruptions remains essential.
MBI’s statement has brought the issue into the public domain, but further clarification from the parties involved will be necessary to establish the full circumstances behind the failed coverage.
