NPFL Deducts Three Points From Warri Wolves as Abia Warriors, Katsina United Face Sanctions

Posted : 28 October 2026

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed disciplinary sanctions on Warri Wolves, Abia Warriors and Katsina United following security breaches and misconduct during recent league fixtures. The measures include points and goals deductions, financial penalties and a suspension for an Abia Warriors official.

Warri Wolves received the heaviest punishment after a supporter allegedly assaulted match officials following the club's Matchday 10 encounter against Kano Pillars in Ozoro. The incident left the second assistant referee with a nose injury and bleeding.

The league found Warri Wolves in breach of the NPFL27 Framework and Rules after failing to provide adequate security. The failure allowed unauthorized individuals to enter restricted areas and gain access to the officials.

The club was fined ₦2 million for inadequate security and another ₦2 million over the assault on the match official. It must also pay ₦250,000 to cover the injured referee's medical treatment.

In addition to the financial penalties, Warri Wolves had three points and three goals deducted from their accumulated league tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors and identify the alleged assailant, with evidence of prosecution to be submitted within seven days.

Warri Wolves subsequently announced plans to appeal the sanctions. The club cited its efforts to identify and apprehend the suspect, along with video evidence it said showed attempts to caution the individual. The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the penalties are adjusted.

Katsina United were also sanctioned following their fixture against Plateau United. The NPFL accused the club of failing to provide adequate security, allowing unauthorized persons into restricted areas.

Supporters were also accused of encroaching onto the pitch, compromising the safety of players and match officials. Katsina United received a ₦1 million fine for inadequate security and another ₦1 million for the pitch encroachment.

The league gave the club 48 hours, equivalent to two working days from notification, to appeal the decision.

Abia Warriors faced separate disciplinary action following their Matchday 10 fixture against Niger Tornadoes. The league said the club failed to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting.

An Abia Warriors official was also accused of harassing a crew member of the league's broadcast partner and attempting to disrupt the live transmission of the match.

The club received a ₦1 million fine for the security failure and another ₦2 million for the attempted broadcast disruption. It must also pay ₦250,000 in compensation to the affected crew member for medical treatment.

Abia Warriors multimedia officer Chidera Favour Igwe was suspended from all NPFL activities for five matches, covering both home and away fixtures, over the alleged harassment and broadcast disruption. The club was also given 48 hours from notification to appeal its sanctions.

The disciplinary decisions highlight the league's focus on matchday security and the protection of referees, players, officials and broadcast personnel. The financial penalties and sporting sanctions could also affect the clubs' campaigns as the 2026/27 NPFL season continues.

NPFL Deducts Three Points From Warri Wolves as Abia Warriors, Katsina United Face Sanctions

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