NPFL awaits match commissioner’s report on 3SC, Ikorodu City fracas

90-minute hostage crisis unsettling, says Aigbovo
The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is still waiting for the match commissioner’s report to decide the culprits and appropriate punishment for those behind the fracas that marred the Week 32 league match between the home team, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and Ikorodu City of Lagos.

The game ended in a goalless draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, but players and officials of Ikorodu City were allegedly held hostage by 3SC fans irked by the setback the draw caused their team’s continental ambition.

3SC are currently fourth on the NPFL table behind leaders Remo Stars, Rivers United, and Abia Warriors.

Although the CAF Champions League is almost out of their each following the commanding positions held by Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are on 60 and 55 points respectively, 3SC can still overtake Abia Warriors for the CAF Confederation Cup as only two points separate both sides.

Abia Warriors are on 50 points, while 3SC have 48 points. Ikorodu City also have an outside chance of qualifying for the continent as they have 46 points with four matches to go.

According to reports, several of the players sustained various forms of injury, while those who could, scaled fences to run for their lives. It added that Ikorodu City’s team bus was damaged, while the match referee was manhandled.

A top NPFL official, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that the body would be better informed by the match commissioner’s report because he was present and witnessed everything that happened.

“All we have of the incident are social media reports, which we cannot rely on to decide the true situation of things.

“Be assured that the NPFL will do the right