NPFL Rebukes Shooting Stars FC Sporting Director, Adepoju Over False Stadium Claims

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has reprimanded Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Sporting Director, Tobi Adepoju Samuel, over comments made on social media that accused NPFL Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye of approving stadiums with poor pitches for league matches.

Tobi claimed that the substandard playing surfaces had led to injuries among his club’s players, a statement the NPFL described as false and damaging.

In a formal letter of reprimand, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi condemned the remarks, stressing that stadium approvals fall under the Nigeria Football Federation’s Club Licensing Regulations, not the NPFL Chairman.

Owumi said the allegations, which were also published by NaijaFooty, misrepresented both Elegbeleye and the league, and violated Rule A5.5.2 of the NPFL Framework and Rules, which prohibits clubs or their officials from unfairly criticizing or discrediting the NPFL or its officers.

Owumi reminded clubs that proper communication channels exist for lodging complaints, citing Abia Warriors’ recent petition against a referee in their Matchday 14 fixture as an example of the correct procedure.

The petition, backed by video evidence, was referred to the Referees Appointment Committee for review, rather than being aired publicly.

The NPFL has directed Tobi Adepoju to issue a correction on the matter of club licensing, apologize to the Chairman, and provide reasons why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

The league emphasized that maintaining respect for its leadership and processes is essential to protecting the integrity of Nigerian football.