Head coach of Bendel Insurance, Kennedy Boboye, has rejected allegations of misconduct following a 17-match suspension imposed by the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The sanction comes after Bendel Insurance’s 2-2 draw with Plateau United, where Boboye was accused of confronting and assaulting match officials after the final whistle.
In a swift disciplinary ruling, the NPFL found the coach guilty of improper conduct towards a referee, citing a breach of league regulations on discipline and fair play.
However, Boboye has strongly denied the accusations, insisting his actions have been misrepresented.
“I only went to ask him about the penalty he awarded against us. That’s all,” he said, while also pointing to video footage he claims supports his version of events.
The severity of the punishment has drawn attention, with some observers suggesting the 17-game ban could be excessive if the incident did not involve physical assault.
Club Also Punished
The disciplinary action extended beyond the coach, with Bendel Insurance handed a ₦5 million fine and additional sanctions relating to crowd behaviour and matchday management.
The club has also been ordered to play its next three home fixtures behind closed doors at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Those matches include clashes against Abia Warriors, Katsina United and Remo Stars.
The ruling adds further pressure on Bendel Insurance, who currently sit seventh in the league standings with 46 points from 32 matches.
NPFL Disciplinary Committee Expect Appeal
The club are now expected to challenge the decision, with regulations allowing them 48 hours to file an appeal with the Nigeria Football Federation Disciplinary Committee.
For Boboye, the case represents not only a challenge to his reputation but also a significant setback at a crucial stage of the season.
As the situation develops, attention will turn to the outcome of the expected appeal, which could determine whether the sanctions remain in place or are reduced.
