Bendel Insurance have formally petitioned the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over Enugu Rangers‘ controversial winning goal in their Matchday 9 encounter at the Awka City Stadium on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

The Benin Arsenal are challenging the circumstances surrounding Rangers’ 1–0 victory, alleging that the match officials failed to apply the laws of the game after the goalframe was displaced during the attacking move that produced the decisive goal.

The protest centres on a second-half incident in which Rangers continued their attacking move despite the displacement of the goalpost’s crossbar, with the referee allowing play to continue.

Chidozie Iwundu eventually scored the only goal of the encounter in the 47th minute, handing the Flying Antelopes all three points and moving them to the top of the NPFL table.

However, Bendel Insurance believe the goal should not have stood because of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Bendel Insurance explain reason for protest

in its official statement released on Thursday, November 5, the club confirmed that it had formally petitioned the NPFL, questioning the application of the relevant football regulations during the encounter.

Bendel Insurance specifically cited IFAB Law 1.10, which addresses the requirements for goalposts and crossbars, and Law 10.1, which explains the conditions under which a goal can be awarded.

According to the club, the goalframe became displaced during Rangers’ attacking move shortly after the restart in the second half, but the referee failed to stop the match.

The club maintains that the officials should have immediately halted proceedings until the goalframe was repaired or restored to its proper position.

In its statement, Bendel Insurance argued that the incident was not simply a matter of refereeing interpretation but a failure to apply an existing provision of the Laws of the Game.

Bendel Insurance challenge Rangers’ winning goal

The Edo State-based side insists that the goal should have been disallowed because it was scored while the goalframe was not in its proper position.

IFAB Law 1.10 states that when a crossbar becomes displaced or broken, play must be stopped until it has been repaired or replaced in position.

The law further provides that play should restart with a dropped ball after the necessary repair has been completed.

Law 10.1, meanwhile, states that a goal is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and underneath the crossbar, provided no offence has been committed by the scoring team.

Bendel Insurance believe these provisions were not correctly applied during the incident that produced Rangers’ winning goal.

The club also argues that the referee’s decision should not automatically be protected by the finality provision in Law 5.2, insisting that the matter concerns the alleged non-application of a mandatory provision rather than an ordinary factual decision.

Bendel insurance maintain position on fairness

Despite questioning the outcome of the encounter, Bendel Insurance have maintained that their petition is not an accusation of deliberate wrongdoing against the match officials.

Rather, the club describes its action as a formal challenge to the application of the Laws of the Game, with particular emphasis on player safety, competitive fairness and the integrity of the NPFL.

The club believes that incidents of this nature must be properly examined to ensure that the rules governing the competition are consistently enforced

Rangers, meanwhile, secured a crucial victory through Iwundu’s second-half effort, with the result strengthening their position in the title race.

NPFL is yet to respond to Bendel Insurance’s petition, leaving the league’s response to the controversial incident eagerly anticipated.

The post Bendel Insurance petition NPFL over controversial Rangers goal appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Rivers United have defended their actions following the Nigeria Premier Football League‘s (NPFL) decision to impose a suspended ₦15 million fine and other conditional sanctions on the club over a broadcasting dispute involving their Matchday 11 fixture against Rangers International.

The Port Harcourt-based side, in an official statement, acknowledged receipt of the league’s summary jurisdiction decision but maintained that its actions were based on prior communication with the NPFL and were intended to ensure the smooth organisation of the fixture.

The club reiterated its commitment to professionalism and compliance with the league’s regulations, including its commercial and broadcasting agreements, while calling for consistency and fairness in the implementation of those arrangements.

Rivers United question fairness of broadcast arrangements

In their response, Rivers United raised concerns over the consistency of the league’s broadcasting arrangements, arguing that clubs should not be held responsible for failures arising from unclear communication or unfulfilled commitments.

The club specifically referred to its Media and Broadcast Initiative agreement with Murphy Ben International (MBI), which was expected to provide comprehensive coverage of NPFL fixtures throughout the season.

According to Rivers United, the arrangement was designed to ensure that league matches, including the fixture between Niger Tornadoes and Barau FC, received the promised broadcast coverage.

However, the club alleged that the commitment had not been fulfilled, adding that there had been no justification, apology or sanction over the failure.

“The Media and Broadcast Initiative agreement with MBI was intended to ensure comprehensive coverage of league fixtures,” the club stated.

Rivers United further argued that accountability should apply to every party involved in the broadcasting arrangements, regardless of who is responsible for a breach.

“A breach of any agreement remains a breach, regardless of the party responsible. Accountability must apply equally,” the statement added.

The club also called for a fairer distribution of live match coverage among all 20 teams in the top-flight competition, warning that selective broadcasting could undermine the league’s development and limit access for football supporters.

It stressed the need for better cooperation between the league, clubs and broadcast partners to prevent scheduling conflicts, communication gaps and disruptions to live coverage.

The latest statement follows an earlier response from Rivers United after their 1-1 draw against Rangers on November 1 was not broadcast live.

The club had denied deliberately preventing production crew members from accessing the stadium, explaining that its actions were based on communication received from the NPFL.

Rivers United said an email from the league on October 30 indicated that the fixture against Rangers was not included in the official live-streaming schedule.

However, the NPFL maintained that the club had denied its broadcast partners access to the venue, describing the incident as a breach of its broadcasting regulations.

NPFL issues suspended sanctions

In its decision dated November 4, the NPFL imposed a suspended ₦15 million fine on Rivers United, alongside a suspended deduction of three points and three goals.

The sanctions will only be activated if the club commits another breach of the relevant broadcasting provisions during the ongoing season.

The league also issued Rivers United a formal and final warning, reiterating that broadcast partners must be granted access to venues for scheduled live matches.

Despite the disagreement, Rivers United reaffirmed their commitment to representing Rivers State with pride, maintaining professional standards and working constructively with the league and its commercial partners.

The post Rivers United defend actions after NPFL broadcast sanction appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The 11th matchday of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season produced a series of important results, with Shooting Stars recording the biggest victory of the weekend and Rivers United and Rangers International sharing the points in the headline fixture.

Shooting Stars thrashed Abia Warriors 4-1 in Ibadan, while Bendel Insurance secured a 2-1 away victory over Kwara United. Kano Pillars also claimed a comfortable 2-0 win against Nasarawa United, as Enyimba edged Kun Khalifat 1-0 in the south-east derby.

The matchday began on Friday, October 30, with Niger Tornadoes and Barau FC playing out a goalless draw. Doma United and Ikorodu City followed with a 2-2 stalemate on Saturday.

Sunday’s eight fixtures completed the round, producing five victories and three draws across the country.

Shooting Stars deliver emphatic victory

Shooting Stars were the standout performers of NPFL Matchday 11 after recording a convincing 4-1 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors produced an impressive display to claim all three points and strengthen their position in the league standings.

The result provides a timely boost for the Ibadan-based side as they seek to build consistency in their campaign, while Abia Warriors were left to reflect on a disappointing away performance.

Rivers United and Rangers share points

The weekend’s standout fixture ended in a 1-1 draw between league leaders Rivers United and defending champions Rangers International in Port Harcourt.

Both teams went into the encounter level on 17 points, with Rivers United occupying top spot on goal difference. However, neither side could secure all three points, leaving the contest at the summit finely balanced.

The match was also overshadowed by an incident involving the league’s streaming team, which was reportedly denied access to broadcast the encounter.

The draw means both clubs remain closely positioned in the early title race as they continue their push for the league crown.

Bendel Insurance claim important away victory

Bendel Insurance recorded one of the notable away results of the round after defeating Kwara United 2-1 in Ilorin.

The Benin-based side secured maximum points on the road to strengthen their position in the standings, while Kwara United were unable to make home advantage count.

At the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 to secure an important home victory. The Sai Masu Gida took advantage of their home fixture to claim all three points.

Enyimba also recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Kun Khalifat in the south-east derby. The People’s Elephant did enough to see off their regional rivals and avoid dropping points in the encounter.

Other NPFL Matchday 11 results

Katsina United secured a 2-1 victory over Sporting Lagos in another closely contested fixture, while Inter Lagos and Ranchers Bees played out a 1-1 draw in a result that offered both sides a point in their battle to move away from the lower end of the table.

Plateau United were also held to a 1-1 draw by Warri Wolves, with both teams settling for a share of the points.

Earlier in the round, Doma United and Ikorodu City played out a 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes and Barau FC settled for a goalless stalemate.

NPFL title race remains competitive

The Matchday 11 results have further underlined the competitive nature of the 2026/27 NPFL season, with several clubs seeking to establish themselves among the early title contenders.

Rivers United and Rangers remain closely matched at the top following their draw, while Shooting Stars, Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars gained valuable points from their respective victories.

Attention now turns to Matchday 12, where clubs will look to build on their latest results, improve their league positions and maintain their pursuit of the title, while others seek to strengthen their fight against relegation.

The post NPFL: Shooting Stars thrash Abia Warriors as Rivers, Rangers draw appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.