NPFL bans Lobi Stars official over match-fixing claims

By Olaolu Joseph

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed an indefinite ban on Emmanuel Ujah, Media Director of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, following his failure to provide evidence for match-fixing allegations he made publicly.

According to the league body, Ujah was charged with breaching the NPFL Framework and Rules after making what was described as an “unguarded statement” during an interview.

Ujah later admitted that he acted in error and had no proof to support the match-fixing claims he initially made. He confessed to being driven by emotion and expressed regret over the incident, promising to act more responsibly in the future.

In an official statement, the NPFL said: “Following an investigation into the matter, Ujah is hereby banned indefinitely from all NPFL activities. He is to tender a written apology and retract the match-fixing allegations.”

While Ujah has accepted responsibility, the league management has advised Lobi Stars to collaborate with the NPFL to investigate some of the broader concerns he raised during the interview.