The Nigeria Premier Football League has been drawn into a fresh controversy after Bendel Insurance formally petitioned the league over the disputed goal that handed Enugu Rangers a 1-0 victory.
Rangers secured the important win in Wednesday’s rescheduled Matchday Nine encounter at the Awka City Stadium, with defender Chidozie Iwundu scoring the decisive goal in the 47th minute.
However, Bendel Insurance are challenging the circumstances surrounding the strike, claiming that the goalframe’s crossbar became displaced during the attacking move that led to the goal.
According to the Benin-based club, the referee should have stopped play immediately after the goalframe was displaced. Instead, play reportedly continued and Rangers went on to score.
Bendel Insurance cited IFAB Law 1.10 in its petition, arguing that play should be suspended when a goalpost or crossbar becomes displaced or broken until it is repaired or replaced.
The club insists that the goal should not have counted because the crossbar was allegedly not in its proper position during the incident.
The petition is not simply about three points. Bendel Insurance says its complaint concerns player safety, competitive fairness and the integrity of the league.
The NPFL’s response will now be closely watched by supporters, particularly as the disputed goal helped Rangers move to the top of the table.
