Rivers United have been accused of preventing Murphy Ben International (MBI Sport), the broadcast partner of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), from livestreaming their Matchday 11 home fixture against Enugu Rangers on Sunday.
MBI Sport said its television production crew was denied access to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where Rivers United hosted Rangers in a match that ended 1-1.
According to the broadcast company, its production team was prepared to provide live coverage but could not proceed after allegedly being refused entry to the stadium.
In a statement addressing the incident, MBI Sport expressed disappointment over the development, particularly because supporters had expected to watch the encounter through its platform.
The company said the situation prevented it from carrying out its planned broadcast despite its readiness to deliver coverage to football fans across the country.
MBI Sport reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the NPFL, increasing the visibility of domestic football and providing quality broadcast coverage for supporters.
The incident has raised questions about cooperation between clubs, league administrators and broadcast partners as the NPFL seeks to expand its audience and strengthen the commercial appeal of Nigerian football.
The league had previously announced a partnership with Murphy Ben International to livestream selected matches free of charge on YouTube, following the expiration of its earlier agreement with Propel Sports Africa.
On the pitch, Rivers United and Rangers shared the points after a 1-1 draw in Port Harcourt. Chijioke Mbaoma scored for the hosts before Godwin Obaje equalised for Rangers, who finished the encounter with 10 players following his dismissal.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged denial of access remain central to the controversy. Rivers United’s response was not included in the information available for this report.
