The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a strong warning to clubs over what it described as “unscrupulous and improper behavior” by ball boys on match days.
In a circular dated 14th October 2025, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi condemned the recurring practice, calling it “an act of unfairness and a breach of league rules.”
“The continuous attitude of ball boys hiding match balls when the game is still on and probably in favour of the home team constitutes an act of unfairness,” the NPFL said in the statement.
The league has directed that at least ten match balls must be available at all times during NPFL fixtures.
FULL STATEMENT FROM THE NPFL.
Clubs found encouraging such practices will face a ₦1 million fine, as the act will henceforth be treated as a misconduct under Section C of the NPFL frameworks.
READ MORE:npfl-25-26-why-former-flying-eagles-gaffer-ladan-bosso-resigned-from-barau-fc
Owumi added that the NPFL Board remains committed to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the competition, stressing that “such behaviour brings the game into disrepute.”
While the warning follows a series of incidents across multiple centres this season, Abia Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo is among those who have recently raised concerns. After his side’s 2–0 defeat to Rangers in Enugu, he lamented delays caused by missing match balls during play.
“Rangers were leading 2–0, and suddenly the balls disappeared. It doesn’t tell well of our football,” Amapakabo said.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The NPFL has now urged clubs to ensure their ball boys uphold fair play standards as the 2025/26 season continues.
