NPFL Summons Lobi Stars Media Officer Over Match-Fixing Allegations: A Bold Claim That Could Shake the League’s Integrity
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially summoned Lobi Stars’ media officer, Emmanuel Ujah, following serious allegations he made concerning match-fixing and player betting within the league. Ujah accused players from his own team, Lobi Stars, of engaging in unethical practices — a claim that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s football community.
The league management has now called for Ujah to appear before a panel on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, to clarify his statements. These include both a written report and an audio recording in which he alleged that players from the Pride of Makurdi were betting on NPFL matches — an act that would be a clear violation of the league’s ethical code and a serious blow to its credibility.
The summons letter, signed by Davidson Owumi, NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, stated:
“We have taken note of certain issues which border on alleged match-fixing and players betting... These actions are considered detrimental to the reputation of the NPFL and its stakeholders.”
💬 Opinion: A Necessary Storm or Dangerous Distraction?
Emmanuel Ujah’s allegations are both shocking and bold — and in many ways, necessary.
In a league where whispers of backdoor dealings and compromised matches have lingered for years, this might be the moment the NPFL needs to truly confront the shadows behind the scenes. While the summons aims to investigate Ujah's claims, it’s important that it does not turn into a witch-hunt or an effort to silence whistleblowers.
If these claims are valid, transparency and accountability must follow. If they are false or exaggerated, Ujah must also be held accountable for potentially damaging the league's integrity and public trust.
🔎 Bigger Picture: The NPFL at a Crossroads
The NPFL has made strides in recent years — improving organization, growing its fanbase, and increasing global visibility. But issues like match-fixing, delayed wages, poor officiating, and a lack of player welfare continue to plague the league’s development.
This scandal, if proven, could either cripple or cleanse.
It’s time the NPFL takes a firm stance: protect the league’s credibility by investigating every stone, support honest insiders who speak up, and make examples of anyone found guilty of bringing shame to the beautiful game.
⚽ Football thrives on fairness. Without trust, there is no game. Let’s hope this moment becomes a catalyst for deeper reform — not just damage control.
