Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a strong betting ban directive ahead of the 2025/26 season, warning players, coaches, officials, and clubs that any involvement in betting activities will attract severe consequences.
In a circular dated August 6, 2025, signed by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the NPFL reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on betting and match-fixing, stressing that such acts threaten the integrity of Nigerian football.
The “NPFL betting ban” statement emphasized that betting undermines fair play, damages the league’s image, erodes fan trust, and discourages sponsorship. Owumi stated that any player or official caught engaging in betting directly or indirectly will face penalties including:
- Immediate expulsion from the league
- Monetary fines
- Long-term suspensions or lifetime bans
- Possible legal action
All 20 NPFL clubs have been instructed to sensitize players and staff about the risks and consequences of betting violations. The league also confirmed it will work with law enforcement and betting regulators to track suspicious activity throughout the season.
“We must protect the integrity and credibility of our league,” Owumi warned. “Betting and match-fixing are threats we will not ignore. Violators will be dealt with decisively.”
With the 2025/26 NPFL season set to kick off in August, the league’s leadership is prioritizing a clean, competitive, and professionally run campaign to rebuild confidence in Nigerian domestic football.
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