In an attempt to salvage the reputation of the Nigeria Premier League, the Federal Government says it has concluded plans to deal with match-fixing by setting up a special squad within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Reports of referees being bribed to favour home teams is a recurring complaint in the Nigerian domestic league, where the percentage of home wins is as high as 90.

Last season, Kano Pillars won the League title on the back of just one away victory, and that only on the final day of the season when the League title had been secured.

In 2012, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) slammed a total sum of N30 million fine on Dolphins FC (10 million) and Sunshine Stars (N20 million) for an alleged involvement in match-fixing.

Dolphins’ manager Stanley Eguma, an assistant referee and one Divine Benjamin were given various degrees of punishment by the football body.

In 2009, Zamfara United - a club which was on the verge of relegation after a poor run the entire season – spanked Kaduna United 9-0 on the final day to claim a stay in the Premier League. The win pushed Akwa United, which finished on 48 points but thanks to the 9-0 spanking of Kaduna United fell short on goal difference, to the lower league.

Interestingly, Akwa United gained promotion to the NPL in 2007 after a well executed 13-0 victory over Calabar Rovers.

Angry with the recurring allegations of match-fixing in the country’s top-flight football competition, Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi said the trend must be stopped.

“We are working with the Attorney-General of the Federation to set up a special squad within EFCC to deal with match fixing,” he said on Monday. “Anybody found to be involved in any form will be treated as a criminal and dealt with accordingly.

“We must restore integrity and credibility to the Nigerian League. Fans must go to the stadium not believing that the game has already been fixed in favour of the home team.”

Abdullahi added that major reforms are being planned in conjunction with the League Management Company.

“Our vision for the NPL is inspired by what other countries at similar level of development have achieved with theirs.

“South Africa is regarded as the 6th biggest league in the world. They do not have our population, nor our talent or football history.

“There is no reason they should have the kind of league that they have and Nigeria will be wallowing where we are without a sponsorship (sic). This is unacceptable and is what all of us involved in football should be embarrassed about. It dwells on us in football to reverse this status quo.”