The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a stern warning to clubs regarding the unsporting behavior of ball boys during league matches, characterizing the intentional concealment of match balls as a significant violation of fair play and league regulations.
In a circular dated October 14, 2025, and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the NPFL management conveyed serious concern over what it termed “unscrupulous and improper behavior” exhibited by certain ball boys—often benefiting home teams.
The league asserted that such actions constitute unfairness and contravene the NPFL’s operational guidelines, particularly when employed to waste time or disrupt the game’s flow.
“The ongoing practice of ball boys concealing match balls while the game is in progress, likely to favor the home team, represents an act of unfairness and a violation of the NPFL’s frameworks and regulations,” the circular stated in part.
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The NPFL announced that such misconduct will no longer be tolerated and will henceforth incur a penalty of ₦1 million for any club found complicit, as outlined in Section C of the league’s rulebook.
To facilitate smooth match operations, clubs have also been instructed to provide a minimum of 10 match balls at all times during NPFL fixtures.
“Any team found lacking and promoting such behavior will face a fine of One Million Naira, as this conduct is against fair play and tarnishes the reputation of the game,” the circular emphasized.
The NPFL Board reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the league, while also distributing the notice to all State Football Associations for rigorous enforcement and oversight.
