The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has begun a full inspection of the Kwara State Stadium in Ilorin after widespread criticism over the condition of the pitch during Shooting Stars’ league match on Sunday.
The uproar, fuelled by videos of players stumbling across uneven ground while groundsmen hurried to fill holes with sand moments before kick-off, has now escalated into a public dispute between the league and the Ibadan club.
NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye confirmed on Wednesday, during an appearance on GTI, that assessors had already been sent to the Rasidi Yekini Stadium to determine whether the surface remains fit for top-flight matches.
“Of what benefits is it to the NPFL if clubs are playing on substandard pitch?” he said.
“As at 4pm today, two people have been engaged to inspect the Rasidi Yekini Stadium and report back with pictures and videos.”
“We have banned clubs in the recent past from playing in their home grounds. It is a continuous process. Kwara United is not more important than others.”
The controversy began after Shooting Stars’ sporting director, Tobi Adepoju, claimed on 𝕏 that poor pitches approved by the league had contributed to several injuries among his squad.
He said four players had been affected this season, including one who needed surgery costing more than ₦3 million.
“Three casualties yesterday in Ilorin, and we do not know how much it will cost us to take care of them yet,” he wrote.
The league responded sharply, accusing him of spreading misleading information. In a letter signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the claims were described as “patently false” and a breach of rules that prohibit officials from making unfair or disparaging remarks about the league or its leadership.
Owumi, who referenced Abia Warriors’ recent formal petition on officiating as an example of the proper channel for complaints, instructed Adepoju to issue a public correction, apologise to Elegbeleye and justify why he should not face disciplinary action.
Speaking on GTI alongside the chairman, Owumi made it clear that the league remains responsible for enforcing standards even after the Nigeria Football Federation has given initial approvals for facilities.
“Our job is to enforce compliance. I cannot throw NFF under any useless bus. If the pitch is no longer up to the standard the NFF approved and gave licence, it is our job to enforce compliance,” he said.
“Please could you in all sincerity check out the Ilorin pitch before you can make an informed opinion. Once the NFF has given the licence, we ensure compliance.”
Elegbeleye said much of the criticism directed at the league reflected a misunderstanding of how the club licensing system operates.
“It is high time some people get educated, reading culture is quite important. Football administration is dynamic, the rules are changing. The power of club licensing is the responsibility of the Federation,” he said.
He noted that several clubs had been forced to play home matches away from their usual grounds in previous seasons due to substandard pitches.
Among them were Kwara United two years ago, as well as Niger Tornadoes, Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, Heartland and Abia Warriors.
He added that approvals granted before the season do not prevent the league from intervening if facilities deteriorate over time.
“When approval was given to facilities at the beginning of the season, once the clubs started playing home and away matches and noticeable flaws with genuine complaints are noticed, the league always act promptly,” he said.
The outcome of the inspection in Ilorin will decide whether Kwara United can continue to host NPFL matches at the stadium.
