Babangida condemns hooliganism in the NPL
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- Category: Sports
- Written by David Ngobua
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Former Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida has vehemently condemned the recent acts of hooliganism that have re-surfaced in the Nigeria Premier League as he said if handled with kid gloves, it is capable of killing the league.
In recent days, the NPL has witnessed an upsurge in activities of football hooligans who have unleashed terror at match venues leaving behind pains and sorrow for their victims.Gombe United, Sharks of Port-Harcourt and Wikki Tourists have since been fined by the NPL owing to allegations of acts of hooliganism leveled against them by 3SC, Ocean Boys and Rangers of Enugu.
Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, Babangida expressed concern over the unfortunate development as he blamed it on the win at all means syndrome by Nigerian clubs.
He said as long as clubs continue to feel that it is their right to win home matches by whatever means, such ugly incidents would continue to happen.
The ex-Eagles star therefore called for the education of fans so that they would embrace the spirit of fair play and discard acts capable of derailing the league.
“What is happening is most unfortunate. It has to be corrected in time before the league is brought to further disrepute. Most clubs believe it is mandatory to win at home even when their players do not play well.
“Consequently, fans of such clubs employ all manners of dirty tactics to ensure their teams win. People who perpetrate acts of hooliganism against visiting teams are not real followers of the game. In Europe clubs win away matches but go home in peace”, he noted.
Babangida therefore called on the Nigeria Football Association, NFF, and the NPL to do something urgently to checkmate the activities of the hooligans who pretend to be football supporters.
“I want to urge the NFF and NPL to urgently do something about hooliganism. It is not good for the game. The clubs should join hands with the relevant authorities to bring lasting peace at match venues”, he advised.
Babangida reiterated that adequate education of football fans will go a long way in addressing the problem.
Sunday Trust
Babangida condemns hooliganism in the NPL
Category: Sports Written by David Ngobua Hits: 423
Former Super Eagles winger, Tijani Babangida has vehemently condemned the recent acts of hooliganism that have re-surfaced in the Nigeria Premier League as he said if handled with kid gloves, it is capable of killing the league.
In recent days, the NPL has witnessed an upsurge in activities of football hooligans who have unleashed terror at match venues leaving behind pains and sorrow for their victims.Gombe United, Sharks of Port-Harcourt and Wikki Tourists have since been fined by the NPL owing to allegations of acts of hooliganism leveled against them by 3SC, Ocean Boys and Rangers of Enugu.
Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, Babangida expressed concern over the unfortunate development as he blamed it on the win at all means syndrome by Nigerian clubs.
He said as long as clubs continue to feel that it is their right to win home matches by whatever means, such ugly incidents would continue to happen.
The ex-Eagles star therefore called for the education of fans so that they would embrace the spirit of fair play and discard acts capable of derailing the league.
“What is happening is most unfortunate. It has to be corrected in time before the league is brought to further disrepute. Most clubs believe it is mandatory to win at home even when their players do not play well.
“Consequently, fans of such clubs employ all manners of dirty tactics to ensure their teams win. People who perpetrate acts of hooliganism against visiting teams are not real followers of the game. In Europe clubs win away matches but go home in peace”, he noted.
Babangida therefore called on the Nigeria Football Association, NFF, and the NPL to do something urgently to checkmate the activities of the hooligans who pretend to be football supporters.
“I want to urge the NFF and NPL to urgently do something about hooliganism. It is not good for the game. The clubs should join hands with the relevant authorities to bring lasting peace at match venues”, he advised.
Babangida reiterated that adequate education of football fans will go a long way in addressing the problem.