Abia Warriors have formally challenged the NPFL's disciplinary ruling following their October 25 fixture against Niger Tornadoes, filing an appeal against a ₦3.25 million fine and a five-match ban handed to the club's multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe.

The Nigerian Football League sanctioned Igwe on the grounds that he allegedly interfered with the live television broadcast of the match, while the club itself was penalised separately for an alleged security failure at the venue.

What the club says happened

Abia Warriors have pushed back on both charges. The Umuahia-based side insist that Igwe did nothing more than ask a cameraman to adjust his position — a request made after the camera had lingered on a single subject for an uncomfortable length of time.

The club also rejected the allegation of poor security at their stadium, citing the straightforward fact that Niger Tornadoes left the arena without any incident whatsoever.

A demand for video evidence

In their appeal, Abia Warriors have called on the league board to review the official broadcast footage from the match, arguing that the recording will vindicate their version of events and expose the sanctions as disproportionate.

The total penalty breaks down as follows: ₦2 million for the broadcast dispute, ₦1 million for the security allegation, and ₦250,000 attributed to medical costs. Abia Warriors are now waiting for the league to conduct what they describe as a fair and thorough review.