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Nigerian ban stadium for hooliganism

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-05 10:23

ABUJA-- The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) Monday banned the Enyimba Interanational Stadium Aba indefinitely, following Sunday's assault on match officials, including referee Paul Umuago during a match.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Tuesday that some officials were manhandled by irate fans at the stadium after the hosts, Enyimba FC, drew 1-1 with the Heartland FC of Owerri in a week eight league encounter.

The NPL Media Officer, Isaac Ibafidon, told reporters in Abuja that NPL would not allow hooliganism to disrupt the smooth execution of the league this season.

He said the NFL decision was taken by its board at an emergency meeting, adding that the disciplinary action was recommended by its secretariat.

Ibafidon explained that further action would be taken against the home team after a meeting of the League's Organizing and Disciplinary Committee.

The match assistant referees, Auwalu Barau and Abdulwaheed Dauda, were equally assaulted during the match that was broadcast live by NTA, Nigeria's state-run television.