Controversy Threatens NPFL Trophy Presentation Amid Match-Fixing Fears

As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) nears its conclusion, controversy looms over the planned trophy presentation at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. Remo Stars, already crowned champions, are set to face Ikorodu City in a final-day fixture, with a celebratory ceremony scheduled after the match.

However, fears of potential match manipulation have cast a shadow over the event. Allegations have surfaced that Remo Stars may be pressured to deliberately lose the game, raising serious concerns among football stakeholders. Given recent scandals in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO), these claims have sparked urgent calls for intervention.

To safeguard the league’s credibility, the NPFL has issued a directive mandating a uniform 3:00 p.m. kickoff time across all final-day fixtures. Despite this, stakeholders are demanding stronger action from both the NPFL and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to monitor the match closely and prevent any unethical practices.

They emphasize that the integrity of the league must be protected at all costs. Any compromise, they warn, could mar not just the trophy presentation but the reputation of Nigerian football at large.

Football authorities are being urged to deploy necessary oversight, enforce strict sanctions against match-fixing, and ensure that the season concludes on a note of fairness and transparency. With national and international eyes on the NPFL finale, the outcome in Ikenne must reflect true sporting merit.

The league now faces a critical test — to uphold the spirit of competition or risk tainting one of its most anticipated moments.