*Insists: Ban over scandalous results from play-offs in Bauchi still in force
Duro Ikhazuagbe
The appointment of Victor Wikadson as replacement for sacked Zakare Baraje by the management of Plateau United Football Club has run into troubled waters as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) insisted yesterday that the former who is under ban cannot act in that capacity.
Wikadson was the head coach of the Plateau United Feeders team that was banned for life with 18 players for their involvement in the scandalous 76-0 and 89-0 scorelines match fixing along side three other teams. Other teams involved in the scam include Akurba United FC of Lafia, Police Machine FC of Yola and Bubayero FC of Gombe.
All the players and officials involved in that scandalous 2013 play-off of the Nigeria Nationwide League in Bauchi Centre that attracted global alarm and condemnation were banned for life from the game by the NFF.
In a letter to Plateau United FC yesterday, General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, instructed the Plateau State Football Association to ensure that the ban is enforced in its domain.
“The reminder became necessary in view of the move by NPFL side, Plateau United FC on Monday to appoint Victor Wikadson as its new Head Coach.
“From Plateau United Feeders, 18 players and seven team officials were axed. Fifteen players and three team officials of Akurba United were banned, alongside 18 players and five team officials of Police Machine FC and 16 players and three team officials of Bubayero FC of Gombe.
“For record purposes, the banned players and match officials of Plateau United Feeders FC include: Kenneth Ilo, Jacob Bulus, Emmanuel Mathew, Ezekiel Damiri, Paul Danjuma, Mathew Luka, Tenton Yamen, Katura Christopher, Kika James, John David, Ugochukwu Kingsley, Safiyanu Idris, Daform Pam, Alexanda Longs, Joseph Dokatri, Laila Ibrahim, Sani Mohammed and Solomon Effom. Officials: Victor Wikadson (Chief Coach), – Chief Coach Others were Sani Mohammed (Assistant Coach), John Babo (Assistant Coach), Shuaibu Usman (Welfare), Garba Mohammed (Masseur), Babawo Sambo (Curator), Danladi Bala (Team Manager).
The NFF also insisted that the ban slammed on the match officials including Olu Okeneye, M. O. Bakare (match commissioners), Mohammed Mohammed, Umar Garba (referees), S. Chiroma, A. Shina, Sani Abdul, Hassan Pegt (assistant referees) H. Murtala and M. Salahuddin (reserve referee) is still in force.
Players and officials of the other three teams are still under same life ban as Plateau United Feeders FC.
