Scandal over ‘mind-boggling’ results

LAGOS – Nigeria’s top football authority has suspended four teams who reported “mind-boggling” results from their play-off matches, describing the scores of 79-0 and 67-0 as “scandalous” tallies that must be probed.

Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine FC both needed convincing wins to earn promotion to the Nigeria Nationwide League, but officials immediately rejected the eye-popping results.

In a statement, the country’s Football Federation described the scores as “a mind-boggling show of shame never previously witnessed in Nigeria”.

“Plateau United Feeders somehow manufactured a 79-0 victory over Akurba FC while Police Machine FC demolished Babayaro FC 67-0.”

Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire said a deal was certainly struck among the sides, but the details, including whether any money changed hands, are not yet known.

“We are setting up an investigation. We don’t know exactly what hap- pened. We just feel scandalised,” he said.

“The four teams involved are suspended immediately and indefinitely,” federation chairman Mike Emeh said in a statement.

Everyone involved in the Monday matches, including officials and staff at the pitch in northern Bauchi state, could face sanctions, the federation said. Feeders scored 72 goals in the second half while Police Machine netted 61 after the break –