The 2020/21 Nigeria professional football league ended on a controversial and dramatic note as Rivers United leapfrogged Enyimba to snatch the second CAF Champions league ticket. By virtue of a decision by the NFF disciplinary committee, Rivers United were handed three points and three goals after Jigawa Golden Stars fielded an ineligible player (Richard Christopher) who was suspended for the matchday 34 fixture.
Prior to the decision by the NFF disciplinary committee, the League Management Company gave a verdict in support of Jigawa Golden Stars, claiming the error was from their staff and Rivers United didn’t adhere to the fair play rules.
That late minute decision by the board, demoted Enyimba who earlier picked up an impressive 1-3 away win at Dakkada to the CAF confederations cup. It is noteworthy that Enyimba and Rivers United ended the league with 66 points each, but a better goal difference for Rivers United sealed their spot in the top tier echelon of continental football.
A year ago, Rivers United and Enyimba was involved in a heated battle contesting for who is the rightful candidate for the 2020/21 CAF Champions league spot after the league ended abruptly because of the global pandemic.
What this decision propel is that we witness series of appeal from either Enyimba or relegated Jigawa Golden stars to appeal this late decision from the NFF/LMC.
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