NFA Amateur league play offs end in fiasco.

The National Amateur league playoffs to determine qualifiers into the third division of the National Amateur league holding in Uyo last week, did not finish as two clubs, Rivers United representing Rivers State and the representatives from Bayelsa State, pulled out in protest against the conduct of match officials at the zone.

Report:China Acheru

www.nigeriasports.com gathered that,, the third match in the group between the Enyimba of Aba youth side, representing Abia State and the Rivers Representatives did not finish after the match officials awarded a penalty against Rivers United.

Coordinator of Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt, Fatai Olayinka told www.nigeriasports.com that the Akwa Ibom State FA Secretary in conjunction with Ini Idoho, former team Manager of Enyimba FC, now with Akwa United struck a deal with Enyimba FC to ensure that they will qualify from the zone.

“In the first match which Enyimba beat Bayelsa 1-0, the referee gave two unjust red cards to Bayelsa players all in a bid to ensure Enyimba wins. And since Enugu did not turn up, it was obvious Enyimba had to beat us because they were scared we will play an accord match against Bayelsa on the last day,”

Fatai Olayinka said, his side’s game against Enyimba had a goaless first half and with less than fifteen minutes to full time, the center referee awarded a penalty against his side when a defender headed the ball out of the six yard box.

“As soon as our boys started to protest the penalty, hoodlums sponsored by the FA secretary invaded the pitch and started beating up the Rivers United players, but surprisingly, the FA Secretary reported to the State sports Commissioner that it was the Rivers United boys who beat up the referee so the game had to be stopped.”

Rivers state and Bayelsa are now petitioning the NFA to remove the games from Uyo so that a worthy winner will emerge to represent the zone in the Amateur division three league next season.

Fatai Olayinka also urged the Nigeria Football Association Disciplinary committee topunished because “they are a threat to football in Nigeria.” They also protested against the Conduct of the officials in the zone, describing the Akwa Ibom FA Secretary as a disgrace and not fit to be in that position.