Bendel Insurance Grapples with Crisis Amidst Penalty Handed by NPFL Board
The team’s fortunes have taken a drastic turn for the worse after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board imposed severe penalties in response to fan trouble that marred their recent match.
In the aftermath of their disappointing 1-0 home loss to Kano Pillars on Saturday, emotions ran high as fans berated the match officials after a contentious last-minute penalty was awarded to the opponents.
A narrow defeat, coupled with the perceived injustice of the penalty, ignited a crescendo of frustration among fans, leading to a wave of unrest within the stadium.
Punitive measures were levied against Bendel Insurance, including a three-point and three-goal deduction from their tally. The board also slapped the club with a hefty fine of N3.75 million, while mandating that their next three home matches take place behind closed doors – a move aimed at deterring further incidents of hooliganism.
With nine points and a goal deficit of -5, the Benin-based club has plummeted to the depths of the league table and faces the very real risk of relegation.
This development proves particularly challenging for Bendel Insurance, which had captured the 2023 Federation Cup title but has experienced a dismal season thus far, securing only three victories, four draws, and four defeats.
The NPFL has granted Bendel Insurance 48 hours to appeal these sanctions, providing the embattled club with an opportunity to mitigate the damaging effects of the penalties imposed.
