The week 35 NPFL match between Rangers International and Enyimba FC ends in chaos after a contentious penalty decision. With Rangers leading the league, the match was crucial. Enyimba players' protest led to fans storming the pitch, resulting in the match's abandonment.
The week 35 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) match between Rangers International and Enyimba FC ended in chaos on Sunday due to a contentious penalty decision. Held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the match was a critical title decider, with Rangers leading the league at 60 points, just two points ahead of Enyimba.
A large crowd gathered for the much-anticipated match, which remained goalless through regular time. However, in the seventh minute of added time, a controversial penalty was awarded to Rangers after a foul in the box. Enyimba players protested vehemently against the decision, confronting the referee.
The situation deteriorated further when fans stormed the pitch, leading to Enyimba players walking off. Efforts to resume the match failed, and it was ultimately abandoned.
The identity of the pitch invaders remains unclear, and the NPFL has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
This is not the first time Enyimba has been involved in such controversies. Earlier in the season, their match against Doma United in week 24 was also abandoned following a disputed goal, resulting in a N7 million fine and a three-match home stadium closure for Enyimba.
The abandonment of the Rangers-Enyimba match adds to the list of controversial incidents in the NPFL, raising concerns about the league's management and officiating standards.
Fans and officials alike await the NPFL's response to these recurring issues.
