Ikorodu City To Play Behind Closed Doors, Fined ₦3 Million

Ikorodu City have been fined ₦3 Million by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) due to a significant security breach that occurred during last weekend’s home match against Remo Stars.

The NPFL game, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, ended in a 1-1 draw.

The NPFL assessed that Ikorodu City failed to provide sufficient security measures during this highly anticipated South West derby, which unfortunately culminated in an incident where Remo Stars’ assistant coach, Kamil Sulaiman, was assaulted by some of the home team’s supporters following the match.

As a direct consequence of this breach, the league has mandated that Ikorodu City will have to play their next two home games without any spectators present.

This decision is part of the broader punitive measures aimed at ensuring that such security failures are addressed and do not recur in future fixtures. Additionally, the club has been instructed to identify the individuals responsible for the assault and pursue legal action against them.

In another development, the NPFL has issued a warning to Shooting Stars’ head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, regarding his public remarks following the club’s matchday 12 encounter with Ikorodu City.

During that match, Shooting Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat, a result that led Ogunbote to publicly criticize the quality of officiating throughout the game.

In the aftermath of his comments, an inquiry was held by the NPFL, during which Ogunbote expressed regret over his statements and offered an apology.

The league body has further instructed him to deliver a public apology to address the situation comprehensively.

Gbenga Ogunbote, who has garnered recognition as the longest-serving manager currently in the NPFL, was reminded of the importance of maintaining professionalism in public discourse regarding officiating and league matters.