Fans Defy Close Door Order to Watch NPFL Matches in the Stadium - What May Happen Next?

Fans have ignored the directive of the Nigeria Professional Football League to stay away from match venues. The league authorities had banned fans from stadiums as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Our correspondent learnt that the match-day three game between MFM FC and Sunshine Stars had fans watching.

A journalist who spoke with our correspondent, said fans shunned the PTF directive, and over 3000 spectators watched the game from the stands.

“It’s a shame that MFM allowed fans to come into the stadium, while there was no police personnel to enforce the directive.

“ It went out of hand really, I saw some fans scaling the fence, while some huddled up at the gates, denying journalists from getting into the stadium to cover the game.

“The LMC, clubs and state FAs must do more to control and sensitise fans about the situation. They should also seize the opportunity to let fans know matches are live on television and other social media platforms on NPFL TV"

Our correspondent also learnt that the game between Enyimba and Wikki Tourists had fans in attendance.

In a now deleted post on Facebook, Wikki Tourists complained that fans were allowed into the Enyimba Stadium, Aba for the tie.

“The COVID-19 protocols, which states that all matches be played under closed doors, has been violated here in Aba, as fans of Enyimba were allowed into the stadium, intimidating the visiting team and cheering their team,” Wikki posted on Facebook.

With the second wave of the pandemic on air, and increasing number of infection cases reported, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) may be forced to stop the league, if fans continue to violate the stadium ban.