The Nigeria Football Federation Refereeing Development Committee has suspended referee Yakubu Adamu indefinitely from all football-related activities following his controversial decision during Rangers International’s crucial Nigeria Premier Football League victory over Bendel Insurance.
The suspension takes immediate effect and is connected to the penalty awarded to Rangers during their tense 2-1 win at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium a result that pushed the Flying Antelopes closer to a record ninth NPFL title.
The controversial incident occurred late in the game when Chidiebere Nwobodo went down inside the penalty area after contact from a Bendel Insurance defender.
Adamu pointed to the spot, allowing Godwin Obaje to calmly convert the winning penalty and complete his brace.
The goal also moved Obaje to the top of the NPFL scoring charts with 14 goals this season.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium Enugu. Photocredit: Rangers Media
The penalty immediately triggered heated debate among supporters and football stakeholders, especially given the importance of the fixture in the title race.
Before the incident, Rangers had seen their early dominance cancelled out after Alex Oweifaleya’s stunning long-range free-kick drew Bendel Insurance level following Obaje’s first-half opener.
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Rangers had created several chances through lively forward Ifeanyi Assurance, while goalkeeper Joshua Baba also produced key saves to keep Bendel Insurance in the contest.
However, Adamu’s late penalty decision ultimately proved decisive in a match that could shape the outcome of the NPFL title race.
The NFF Refereeing Development Committee has now moved swiftly, sanctioning the official indefinitely pending further developments.
Despite the controversy, Rangers remain top of the NPFL table heading into the final round of matches.
The Flying Antelopes currently hold a one-point advantage over Rivers United, who also won their Matchday 37 fixture after defeating Wikki Tourists 3-2 in Bauchi.
Rangers will now travel to Lagos for a decisive final-day clash against Ikorodu City, while Rivers United host Katsina United.
The equation remains straightforward for Rangers: they must better Rivers United’s result to secure the league title.
However, the suspension of Adamu has now added another layer of controversy to an already dramatic conclusion to the NPFL season, with discussions around officiating standards once again dominating Nigerian football conversations.
