NFF Upholds Sanctions Against Kebbi United Over Ineligible Player
The Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has upheld sanctions against Kebbi United following a protest over the use of an ineligible player in a Nigeria National League fixture, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The decision was reached during the Committee’s meeting on March 30, 2026, after reviewing a protest filed by Kebbi United challenging an earlier ruling by the league authorities.
Key Findings
After examining submissions and evidence, the Committee confirmed that Kebbi United fielded a player, Dawud Ibrahim, who did not possess a valid license at the time of the match against Yobe Desert Stars.
Testimonies from NNL Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana and the league’s Registration Desk Officer established that the player’s registration was still pending on match day. The Committee also noted that no form of authorization was granted to allow the player’s participation.
Further discrepancies were identified in the match documentation, with the player listed as Dawud Ibrahim wearing jersey number three in official records but appearing with number 36 during the game. The absence of license numbers for other players on the match report was also highlighted, with the Committee interpreting it as a deliberate attempt to bypass regulations.
Decisions and Sanctions
Based on its findings, the Committee ruled that Kebbi United breached Article 11.13 of the NNL Rules by fielding an ineligible player.
The protest was consequently dismissed, and the earlier decision of the NNL Disciplinary Committee was upheld. The sanctions imposed include:
- A fine of #1,000,000 for violating league regulations
- Forfeiture of three points and three goals to Yobe Desert Stars
The Committee, however, stated that Kebbi United retains the right to appeal the decision.
Committee Composition
The meeting was chaired by Barr. JBC Obikwelu, with Barr. Abdulrahman I. Abdulrahman is serving as Vice Chairman. Other members present included Barr. Wole Ademoyegun and Barr. Bello Galadi, while Queen W. Otarakpo, Esq., acted as Secretary.
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