Akinwunmi: NFF will soon begin prosecution of violent fans

June 18, 2021 8:02 pm

Cheer your clubs at home, Ahmed Musa tells fans after pitch invasion in Kaduna

Seyi Akinwunmi, the first vice-president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says the body will soon begin the prosecution of violent fans at league games across the country.

According to NAN, Akinkunmi was speaking on Friday while addressing participants at the Nigeria National League (NNL) football development summit for club administrators and media in Abuja.

The VP’s comment is coming less than a week after fans of Kano Pillars invaded the pitch in protest when their team was playing Akwa United at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

The NFF vice-president said violence at stadia hosting league games has negatively impacted the growth of the country’s football clubs.

“We need to stop this attitude of win at all cost. We will also stop this hooliganism or whatever it is,” he said.

“It has gone on for too long and I can assure you that if people are not careful, they will see themselves prosecuted in a short while.

“NFF is doing as much as it can, within the ambit of the law. We are speaking with security agencies to support us in terms of enforcement and prosecution.

“I can’t give a timeline for the eradication of this vice but we are working on it.”

Akinwunmi also faulted the hooliganism on ignorance, saying that the NFF will proceed to educate the fans and general public against the act.

“Sometimes, hooliganism is a product of ignorance. Some people feel that they are fighting for their rights and the best way to do so is to become violent,” he said.

“That is why we must educate the public and develop, thanks to this summit. Nigerian football must be abreast of the recent developments in football around the world.

“We need the help of everyone to educate the public and expose people who are serial instigators of this crime.

“So, we need the support of everyone, including the media.”

The League Management Company (LMC) has since slammed the Kano-based club with a fine of N7.5 million and warned of a potential 3-point withdrawal and stadium expulsion upon a repetition of the incidence.