NPL plans simultaneous telecast of final day action

To forestall match fixing on the final day, the Nigeria Premier League plans a multiple telecast of live games on September 7.

“The final matches of the season will be played on Friday, September 7 after we agreed with the television company to ensure the matches involving the championship contenders will be shown at the same time,” NPL executive secretary Tunji Babalola has informed.

“We believe this will give all the teams a level playing ground and that a worthy champion will emerge after these games.”

League leaders Kano Pillars as well as closest rivals Lobi Stars and Enugu Rangers all have a chance to be crowned champions on the final day of action on Friday, September 7, and as such officials have agreed that all the matches involving these teams will be shown live on TV simultaneously to forestall any pre-determined arrangements.

Pillars are top of the table on 64 points from 37 matches, Lobi Stars are second and a point behind, while third-placed Enugu Rangers have 61 points.

Rangers will be home to Sharks on the final day of the campaign and would hope to win, while Pillars and Lobi lose tricky away games in Sunshine Stars and Kaduna United, respectively.

There have already been insinuations that some of the games have been pre-arranged, but the organisers said that by showing the matches on TV the public eye will be fixed on any underhand dealings.