The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has invited Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Technical Manager, Gbenga Ogunbote, to an investigative hearing regarding comments he allegedly made to the media. The league body flagged some statements attributed to Ogunbote after his team's Matchday 12 fixture against Ikorodu City in Lagos, suggesting they might violate the NPFL's code of conduct for coaches.
According to the NPFL, Ogunbote's remarks reportedly criticized match officials and the league’s governance structure, which the league considers detrimental to its reputation. “Your remarks, as reported, appear to contravene the League’s Code of Conduct for Coaches and Officials by casting aspersions on the integrity of the match officials and the League’s governance structure,” the invitation letter stated. These allegations are viewed as a serious threat to the integrity of the league and its stakeholders.
In response, the NPFL has directed Ogunbote to appear before its Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the league’s Secretariat in Jabi, Abuja. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m., and the coach has been advised to bring relevant evidence or representation to support his position. The league further emphasized the mandatory nature of his appearance, urging Ogunbote to confirm his attendance by Friday, November 29, 2024.
Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, signed the invitation letter, underscoring the league’s commitment to professionalism and integrity. He assured stakeholders that the NPFL would uphold its standards by ensuring compliance with its codes and addressing any actions that threaten the league’s image.
The NPFL reiterated its expectation for coaches, officials, and other stakeholders to adhere strictly to its principles. The outcome of Ogunbote’s hearing could set a significant precedent for how the league handles public criticisms from its participants.
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