Gara Gombe Advocates Criminalization of Match-Fixing in NPFL

Alhaji Ahm Shuaibu Gara Gombe, the former Gombe FA chairman, called on stakeholders in Nigerian football to criminalize match-fixing to safeguard the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, he described match-fixing as a significant threat to the nation's football ecosystem and urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to collaborate with stakeholders to combat this issue.

Gara Gombe proposed that the government enact necessary laws to address match-fixing as a serious offense. He also criticized the current state of officiating, which he believes undermines the credibility of the NPFL.

He highlighted the importance of a robust financial foundation, including a proposed ₦2 billion prize for the league champion, to attract investment and improve infrastructure. Additionally, he pointed out that many Nigerian clubs lack adequate medical facilities, relying on borrowed ambulances and health centers during matches.

He stressed that without addressing these issues, Nigerian football cannot achieve financial sustainability and commercial value.