NPFL suspends remainder of Kennedy Boboye's ban
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has lifted the remaining portion of the disciplinary suspension imposed on Bendel Insurance head coach, Kennedy Boboye, paving the way for his immediate return to the touchline.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated August 10, 2026, and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi.
According to the league, Boboye’s written apology and appeal for leniency played a key role in the review of his case. His conduct during the period of the sanction, coupled with his past contributions to Nigerian football as a player and member of the national team’s technical setup, were also considered in his favour.
The NPFL board has therefore suspended the remainder of his punishment, but warned that the sanction will be reinstated if he is found guilty of similar misconduct during the next season.
The league also reminded Boboye of the responsibility that comes with his position as a coach and role model to players and younger coaches within the NPFL.
Boboye’s original punishment stemmed from Bendel Insurance’s Matchday 32 encounter with Plateau United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on March 28, 2026. The match ended 2-2, but the league subsequently found the coach guilty of gross misconduct towards a match official.
He was initially handed a 17-match suspension and fined ₦2 million.
Bendel Insurance were also sanctioned over the incident, receiving a ₦5 million fine and an order to play their next three home matches behind closed doors. The NPFL cited crowd-related issues and the club’s handling of the situation as part of the reasons for the sanctions.
Reports at the time indicated that adequate security had not been provided, allowing unauthorised persons into restricted areas, while some supporters were also accused of unsporting behaviour.
Boboye had denied wrongdoing following the announcement of his ban and released video evidence which he said challenged the account of the incident. His punishment subsequently sparked debate among observers who questioned whether the sanction was excessive in the absence of an alleged physical assault.
Bendel Insurance management, however, condemned the coach’s conduct as “ugly and unfortunate” and formally apologised to the NPFL and the Nigeria Referees Association.
With the latest decision, Boboye is back on the touchline with immediate effect. However, the reprieve comes with a clear warning: any similar offence next season could see the suspended portion of his punishment restored.
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