The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board has announced plans to investigate allegations of match-fixing and illegal betting activities involving Lobi Stars, a former league champion currently struggling in the relegation zone.
Lobi Stars’ media officer, Emmanuel Ujah, made the claims during an interview with Today 95.1FM Port Harcourt, where he accused the club’s players of being involved in match-fixing and placing bets on their own games. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s current position on the league table.
“There’s been an unwholesome practice going on in Lobi,” Ujah said. “They have been betting on Bet9ja, fixing matches… They’ll ask people to bet that we are going to score two goals today. We advised the club chairman to dissolve the team and bring in new players in the second half of the season, people who can be controlled.”
Ujah also revealed that former Super Eagles star, Daniel Amokachi, had raised concerns about betting among the players and officials in a prior meeting. “The current management gave them the benefit of the doubt, but now we are paying dearly for it,” he added.
However, one of the club’s players dismissed the allegations, attributing the team’s poor form to internal conflicts within the club’s management. “Does he think the players are happy to go to the field and lose? All these problems started when management began fighting over positions,” said the unnamed player.
In response to the serious claims, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, confirmed that the board had launched an internal inquiry into the matter. “We don’t want to give credence to these allegations without evidence, so we will invite the person who granted that interview,” Owumi said. “We are putting structures in place to detect such activities and ensure this issue is fully investigated.”
Lobi Stars have endured a dreadful run, failing to win any of their last 14 matches, with their last victory coming in December 2024 against Plateau United. Their poor form has left them battling to avoid relegation, as they sit at the bottom of the NPFL table with just 24 points from 31 games.
Off the field, the club has faced several challenges, including coaching changes and issues with facilities. Lobi Stars have had five different coaches this season, with Baba Ganaru being the latest to resign before Tony Bulus took over. Additionally, the club has struggled with logistical instability, having relocated their base from Lafia to Bauchi and now Enugu during the current campaign.
