Abia Warriors challenge five-match ban on media officer

Abia Warriors have appealed against the five-match ban given to their multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe. They called the punishment too harsh and unfair, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The club from Umuahia denied that Igwe tried to disrupt a live broadcast during their Matchday 10 game on October 25. They said she only showed her frustration at what she saw as bad officiating.

In their appeal to the Nigeria Premier Football League, Abia Warriors stated that Igwe asked a cameraman to focus on the visiting team's area after he kept his camera on her for too long. The club said she did not stop the cameraman from doing his job and requested the league to rethink the punishment.

The club also responded to another claim about poor security during the match. This was in connection with a notice regarding a supposed breach of Rule 8.13.52 of the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH NPFL Framework and Rules.

Abia Warriors argued that they had enough security measures in place. They said that broadcast footage could show what really happened. They added that the visiting team left the stadium safely without any issues or reports of security problems. They urged the league to check the visitors' side of the story before making a final decision.

The club requested the withdrawal of the security notice, stressing their dedication to following league rules and keeping good relationships with match officials, broadcast partners, and other people involved.

Abia Warriors also asked the NPFL to review Igwe's ban if they find that some punishment is necessary.

The league's response to the club's appeal was not part of the information available for this report.