The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a strong warning to all clubs, players, and officials to stay away from betting on football matches, especially those involving the NPFL.
In a circular dated 6 August 2025 and signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the NPFL reminded everyone involved in the league that betting is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The league body explained that betting could lead to match-fixing, which destroys the fairness of the game and reduces the trust of fans and sponsors. It also warned that involvement in such activities could damage the reputation of players, clubs, and the league.
According to the NPFL rules, any player or official found guilty of betting-related offences will face serious punishment, including:
- Expulsion from the league, as stated in Article 15.5 Section B of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
- Fines and suspensions, as outlined in Section C of the same document.
The NPFL stressed the importance of fair play, transparency, and integrity, calling on clubs and officials to always act honestly and avoid anything that could harm the image of the league.
The league also encouraged anyone with information about betting-related activities to report it through the NPFL’s official email, assuring them that all reports will be treated with confidentiality.
The circular is part of the NPFL’s efforts to keep Nigerian football clean, competitive, and trustworthy.