Governing Bodies
DESPITE CORONAVIRUS, NIGERIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE MARCHES ON
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE
Like most public activities, football has been shut down in most continents following COVID-19 outbreaks. But the League Management Company says the NPFL will go on as the country remains safe for football activities.
In an interview with The Punch, LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko assured that preventive measures for fans, players, officials and all are in place, while the situation is being monitored to determine appropriate actions.
As the combatants file out at 10 venues this evening for Week 25 matches, the jostle for the title, continental tickets and retaining top flight status continues at different fronts.
Plateau United v Kwara United
Three seasons ago, Plateau United lifted the title with only four points separating them and runners-up MFM. At this point in the ongoing term, the Jos side have established a four-point advantage at the summit and rearing to go and claim the league for the second time in their history.
Plateau have a date with Kwara United at the New Jos Stadium this evening. On that ground, Abdu Maikaba squad have dropped only only four points in 12 matches this season, resulting from Kano Pillars and Akwa United playing goalless.
The visitors Kwara United are in deep trouble as they are two steps up bottom placed Adamawa United. The Harmony Boys had failed to win in six straight matches – including a lone goal home loss to Lobi Stars. They struggled to beat Wikki Tourists last Sunday in Ilorin.
In the first leg on November 24, Kwara United lost 1-3. A repeat – or an improved – performance is what Plateau United seek at home.
Rivers United v Warri Wolves
In chasing the leaders, second placed Rivers United must be mindful of a slip up. On their heels are Lobi Stars, who are just two points short and desperate to make up for a recent dip in form.
United have to make up for the lone goal setback in Enugu against Rangers last Sunday, their first defeat in seven matches.
Heartland, Abia Warriors and Wikki Tourists have each picked a point at Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt this season, while the other nine sides crashed.
United can’t afford to be complacent against Warri Wolves, who have won twice and drawn four times on the road in their return to the NPFL. The Seasiders occupy the last spot in the upper half of the table and can have an improved standing.
Wolves nurse a grudge against United who left Warri Township Stadium with all points in the first leg.
Lobi Stars v FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Lobi Stars provided a stiff chase of Plateau United in the first half of the season, but the Ortom Boys have since fallen short allowing Rivers United to take their place at No 2.
The 2018/19 champions disappointed their fans in their last two home games which ended 2-2 and goalless respectively against Kano Pillars and leaders Plateau United.
Unless Rivers United capitulate in their own fixture, Lobi Stars will remain at No 3 even if they beat their visitors with whom they finished goalless in Nnewi in their first encounter this season.
Ifeanyi Ubah are bad travellers. In 12 away games, they have picked just one point from their 1-1 deadlock in Lagos against MFM.
Wikki Tourists v Kano Pillars
Two back-to-back losses to Rivers United (1-2) and Rangers (0-1) appear to have condemned Pillars to a miserable season. But the four-time winners have since bounced back and were triumphant in two of their last three matches while drawing the other.
Now fourth on the log, Pillars are chasing continental qualification, which is open to the top three.
Presently six points adrift of Lobi Stars, Masu Gida go after their second away victory having beaten Dakkada FC by a lone goal in Uyo earlier in the season.
Wikki Tourists got beaten 0-1 by Plateau United the last time they played at home. It turned out to be their second loss on their own ground after Sunshine Stars prevailed 2-1 on Matchday 14.
In the relegation zone, the Bauchi team, who played goalless with Pillars in the first leg, have their job well cut out. Another setback will just compound their woes.
Dakkada FC v Rangers
Fifth placed Rangers are on a high after winning three of their last four matches and sharing honours with MFM in Lagos in the other, while Dakkada have pulled only one win, one draw and two defeats within the same period.
The Flying Antelopes are seeking to pay Dakkada back in their own bad coins given that the newly promoted side won 2-0 in Enugu in the first leg.
Nasarawa United v Akwa United
Akwa United will be playing away for the second time in a row. The Promise Keepers’ last outing on Sunday ended 1-1 against Katsina United, their second point in three matches.
In their last three matches as well, victory over Katsina United sandwiched two defeats for Nasarawa United.
The Uniteds – Akwa and Nasarawa – were united in scoreline in the first leg in Uyo, which finished 1-1.
Sunshine Stars v Katsina United
Sunshine Stars received a heavy loss in Aba last time out with Enyimba pumping in three goals.
Back in Akure, the Owena Waves have to show character as they chase their eighth home victory having recorded five draws on that ground this term.
It’s a revenge-seeking Stars that are expected to file out this evening having lost 0-2 in the first leg to Katsina United.
Katsina United have themselves not had a good run. Only one win in four matches have United placed 13th on the log, only three points above the drop zone.
Adamawa United v Enyimba
Title holders Enyimba will file out at Pantanmi Stadium in Gombe against the last team on the log, Adamawa United, who are on a free fall.
In five recent matches, the hosts have won just one and lost the others. They have been defeated four times in front of their fans – to Lobi Stars, Rivers United, Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves.
Enyimba are the title challengers that Plateau United will not like to have close on their heels as they have the experience to grab the top spot. With five outstanding matches accumulated as a result of their continental assignment, Enyimba are 13 points behind the log leaders.
With six wins in their last seven domestic fixtures, the People’s Elephants have struck the right form at the right time.
Adamawa United are struggling for points and have picked only three in their last four games, which came from their 2-1 result over Ifeanyi Ubah in Gombe on Matchday 21.
Enyimba won the first leg 2-0 in Aba.
Jigawa Golden Stars v Heartland
Heartland will be coming to this fixture on a high having dimmed Lobi Stars 2-0 last Sunday to steer clear of trouble, on the same day Jigawa Golden Stars lost 0-2 to Kano Pillars at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, the temporary base of Jigawa Golden Stars.
Jigawa, who lost 0-1 in Okigwe in the reverse fixture, may be lifted out of the relegation zone if they win.
MFM v Abia Warriors
MFM have given their fans much to worry about this season. Their last two games at Agege Township Stadium ended goalless (versus Rangers and Heartland), while their last seven away matches have brought no point.
Last Sunday’s victory over visiting Adamawa United will inspire Abia Warriors in Lagos this evening.
But with nine defeats on the road out of 12 matches, Abia Warriors should not pose much problem for MFM.
The Confederation of African Football has dismissed Yasin Osman Robleh, the Djiboutian official who headed its judicial bodies for the past six years, in a move aimed at restoring confidence in the organisation’s disciplinary processes.
According to reports from convergence sources, the decision was confirmed on Saturday by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, bringing an abrupt end to Robleh’s tenure overseeing the confederation’s disciplinary and investigative committees since 2019.
Robleh’s position reportedly came under increasing pressure following the controversy surrounding sanctions imposed after the Africa Cup of Nations Final between Morocco and Senegal. The disciplinary decisions that followed the match sparked criticism from several quarters and placed CAF’s legal framework under intense scrutiny.
In response to the situation, CAF’s Executive Committee has appointed Togolese lawyer Cedric Egai, currently the confederation’s Director of Legal Affairs, as interim head of the judicial bodies.
Egai is expected to stabilise the organisation’s legal arm while CAF works toward appointing a permanent successor to Robleh.
Disciplinary Decisions Delayed
The leadership change has already affected ongoing disciplinary processes within the confederation. CAF’s disciplinary committee reportedly held hearings last Thursday on several cases, including the high-profile encounter involving Egypt’s Al Ahly and Morocco’s AS FAR.
However, decisions on those matters have been temporarily put on hold pending the confirmation of new leadership within the judicial structure.
Sources indicate that once a permanent successor is appointed, CAF will move swiftly to conclude outstanding disciplinary rulings affecting both clubs and national teams.
Restoring Confidence
The move is widely seen as part of CAF’s effort to restore confidence in its judicial system following weeks of controversy surrounding disciplinary decisions at major competitions.
Robleh’s departure closes a significant chapter in CAF’s legal administration, while Egai’s interim appointment signals a potential shift in leadership and governance at a critical time for African football.
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Governing Bodies
Countdown Rule Introduced To Crack Down on Time-Wasting in Substitutions and Spot Kicks
Global football’s law-making body, The International Football Association Board (IFAB), has approved a landmark package of reforms aimed at protecting effective playing time, reducing time-wasting and strengthening disciplinary oversight ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The decisions were taken at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM), chaired by Mike Jones, President of the Football Association of Wales, during celebrations marking the FAW’s 150th anniversary.
The reforms, which will apply from the 2026/27 season and be implemented at the 2026 World Cup and other competitions, respond to growing calls across the football community for measures that preserve match tempo and reduce deliberate disruption.
Five-Second Countdown for Throw-Ins and Goal Kicks
Building on last season’s amendment preventing goalkeepers from holding the ball for excessive periods, IFAB has extended the countdown principle to throw-ins and goal kicks.
If a referee judges that a restart is being deliberately delayed, a visible five-second countdown will begin. Failure to put the ball back into play within that period will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team. In the case of a delayed goal kick, the sanction escalates to a corner kick for the opposition.
The measure is designed to eliminate a common time-management tactic frequently deployed late in matches.
Strict Timelines for Substitutions
To further streamline match flow, substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed or the referee’s signal being given.
Players who exceed that limit must still exit immediately, but their replacement will not be allowed to enter until the next stoppage after one minute of running clock time has elapsed — effectively discouraging slow exits intended to run down the clock.
Mandatory One-Minute Absence After On-Field Treatment
Under another significant change, players who receive on-field medical assessment — or whose injury prompts a stoppage — must leave the pitch and remain off for at least one minute once play resumes.
The rule aims to curb tactical injury interruptions while still safeguarding genuine medical needs.
IFAB also approved further trials to assess goalkeeper-related tactical injury delays and explore deterrent options.
VAR Protocol Expanded to Include Second Yellow Cards
In a notable development for officiating, IFAB expanded the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol.
The VAR will now be permitted to review:
- Red cards resulting from a clearly incorrect second yellow card;
- Mistaken identity cases where the wrong player is cautioned or sent off;
- Clearly incorrectly awarded corner kicks, provided the review can be completed immediately without delaying the restart.
The move addresses longstanding criticism that second cautions — unlike straight red cards — were previously outside VAR review scope, despite their decisive impact on matches.
IFAB also confirmed continued trials of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and ongoing development of FIFA-led Football Video Support (FVS).
Amendments to the Laws of the Game 2026/27
The next edition of the Laws of the Game, effective 1 July 2026 (with early adoption permitted), will introduce further clarifications and adjustments:
- Law 3: Senior ‘A’ international friendlies may now allow up to eight substitutes, expandable to eleven by mutual agreement.
- Law 4: Non-dangerous equipment will be permitted if safely covered.
- Law 5: Referee body cameras (head- or chest-mounted) may be used at competition discretion, with organisers controlling footage.
- Law 8: Clarifies that a dropped ball will be awarded to the team that would likely have retained possession.
- Laws 10 & 14: Formal incorporation of guidance on accidental “double touch” penalty incidents.
- Law 12: Where advantage is played for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity and a goal is scored, the offender will not be cautioned.
Focus on Discriminatory Behaviour and Player Protests
Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, IFAB agreed that further consultation will be undertaken to develop tougher measures against discriminatory conduct.
The board will also examine scenarios where:
- Players leave the field collectively in protest of refereeing decisions;
- Players cover their mouths while confronting opponents — a practice viewed as undermining transparency.
A Forward-Looking Agenda
The AGM, attended by representatives from FIFA, The FA, the Scottish FA, the FA of Wales, the Irish FA and IFAB administration, signals what officials described as a decisive effort to modernise the sport.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, IFAB’s reforms represent one of the most comprehensive tempo-focused overhauls in recent years — an attempt to ensure that football remains faster, fairer and more resistant to manipulation of time.
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Governing Bodies
Infantino marks 10 years as FIFA President, hails reforms and global expansion of the game
Gianni Infantino has marked the 10th anniversary of his election as FIFA President by declaring that “we have brought football back to FIFA and FIFA back to football,” while thanking the organisation’s 211 member associations for their support over the past decade.
In a letter sent to the presidents of all 211 member associations, Infantino reflected on his election at the Extraordinary Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, on 26 February 2016, recalling that FIFA was facing a crisis that threatened its very existence at the time.
“By voting for me, the FIFA Congress chose to chart a new path forward built on reform, transparency and development,” he wrote. “I believe we have successfully brought football back to FIFA and FIFA back to football. And we have done so together.”
Infantino stressed that unity between FIFA and its Member Associations had been central to the organisation’s transformation.
“It is therefore with a great sense of unity that I would like to extend my deepest thanks for your work, your dedication and, of course, your unwavering support in making this possible and for your role in bringing FIFA back to football over the last 10 years,” he said.
Describing FIFA as “the glue that binds the footballing pyramid and the wider footballing ecosystem together,” Infantino underlined the importance of a strong and trusted governing body for the continued growth of the sport.
“A strong, trusted and unified FIFA is not only desirable, but also in fact necessary for our sport to continue to flourish,” he added. “Although we live in a world marked by division and conflict, football is still the great power that unites us all.”
Key achievements highlighted
In his message, the FIFA President outlined 11 major achievements since 2016, beginning with increased financial support to Member Associations through the FIFA Forward Programme. Introduced in 2016, funding to MAs has increased sevenfold, with associations empowered to determine how best to invest in football development within their territories.
He also pointed to the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, designed to ensure that every young player has the opportunity to develop regardless of financial background or geography, alongside enhanced capacity building in administration, finance, infrastructure, medical services, safeguarding and women’s leadership.
Infantino noted greater involvement of Member Associations in decision-making through FIFA Executive Summits and newly introduced Standing Committees, as well as reforms aimed at boosting transparency, including annual accounts delivered under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and clearer bidding processes for major tournaments.
On the field, the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in 2018 — now implemented in 83 Member Associations — was cited as a key step towards greater fairness. FIFA has since introduced VAR Light and Football Video Support to widen access to video technology. In 2024, all 211 MAs also unanimously backed a Global Stand Against Racism initiative.
Infantino further highlighted expanded playing opportunities across competitions. The FIFA World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, while the FIFA Women’s World Cup grew to 32 teams in 2023 and is set to expand to 48 from 2031. More than 1,700 women’s development projects have been delivered across 204 Member Associations.
Youth competitions have also been broadened, including the expansion of the FIFA U-17 World Cup for both boys and girls and the introduction of a new festival-style FIFA U-15 Youth World Cup open to all 211 MAs.
The letter referenced relief measures during times of hardship, notably the COVID-19 Relief Plan, which made USD 1.5 billion available, emergency disaster funding via the FIFA Foundation, and a post-conflict recovery fund approved in December 2025 to support football communities affected by war.
At club level, Infantino highlighted the historic first 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, the new FIFA Women’s Club World Cup planned for 2028, and the launch of annual intercontinental competitions and an expanded FIFA Club Benefits Programme.
Concluding his message, Infantino reiterated his gratitude to Member Associations for “keeping the best interests of football at heart,” expressing confidence that a united global football community would continue to drive the sport’s growth in the years ahead.
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