By Amaechi Agbo

The management of Nigeria’s second tier league, Nigeria National League, NNL has ordered Osun United play all its home matches away from home and fined three hundred thousand naira (N300, 000. 00).

 The punishments are part of sanctions meted out to the Osun State owned-club following violation of covid-19 protocols during their matchday 5 game against Vandrezzer FC over the weekend

NNL took the summary jurisdiction to banish the Osogbo based club to Ilorin following established flagrant violation of Covid-19 protocols as directed by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF through the Nigeria National League, in their last home game at the Osogbo Township Stadium against Vandrezzer Fc of Lagos.

In a release Monday, the management of the league noted that findings and evidences before the NNL showed that Osun United allowed enormous number of spectators into the stadium despite the strong standing Covid-19 and closed doors directives.

Osun United also enforced gate takings (ticket sales) of various dimensions for fans to enter the stadium.

Consequently, Osun United are to pay the sum of N300, 000.00 (Three hundred thousand naira only) on or before their next home game.

NNL Chief Operating Officer, Emmanuel Adesanya told NNL Media & Communications team that the Osun United versus Vandrezzer Fc tie of Saturday 6 March,2021 has been declared a NO MATCH, therefore would be replayed at a neutral venue, with Osun United to bear the cost of indemnities of match officials.

Other punitive measures to Osun United for their distasteful acts are: replacement of damaged equipment of Vandrezzer fC during the encounter; That Osun United and Osun Football Association should within three (3) days account to the NNL all monies collected from the gate takings at the said match and that Osun United and the Osun State Football Association, have been given seven (7) days to produce the supporters captured in the video evidence for further sanctions.

Also included in the punishment is that the President of Osun United, Chief Ademola Adesina (Former Nigeria international) and the Secretary of Osun State Football Association, Mr. Amao Abayomi alongside the identified culprits should unfailingly appear before the compliance Unit of the Nigeria National League, on Tuesday 16 March,2021, at 11am prompt for further questioning.

The COO further stated that the safety of the football community remains the top priority of the present management of the Nigeria National League. As the league season continues the NNL will keep playing its part in caring for others, by ensuring the guidelines of Covid-19 are strictly followed. 

Emmanuel Adesanya finally, noted that club managers, coaches, players and everyone involved in the beautiful game of Football should learn to model healthy behaviours for the well-being of everyone before, on and off the pitch of play.