BENDEL Insurance and their head coach Kennedy Boboye have been heavily punished by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for various breaches, including violent conduct, during their 2-2 draw with Plateau United in Benin on Saturday.
The league body has fined the club a total of N5 million and ordered them to play their next three matches before empty stands, while Boboye has been handed a lengthy ban in addition to a N2m fine.
“Bendel Insurance have been charged for breaching the NPFL Framework & Rules during their Matchday 32 fixture vs Plateau Utd on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City,” NPFL said in a statement tonight.
”The Benin City club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, resulting in unauthorized persons gaining access to restricted areas.
”Bendel Insurance supporters displayed unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game to disrepute.
”Furthermore, the club’s supporters failed to conduct themselves in a proper manner leading to the harassment of the match officials.”
On Boboye, the NPFL stated: “Bendel Insurance head coach, Kennedy Boboye, also exhibited gross misconduct towards a match official which goes against the principle of fair play and discipline.”
Bendel Insurance are fined N2m for failing to provide adequate effective security and another N1m for their unsporting behaviour, capable of bringing the game to disrepute, the NPFL noted.
The club will also pay a N2m fine for holding the match officials hostage for 40 minutes after the match.
Boboye has been fined N2m and suspended for 17 matches.
The Benin Arsenals will also play their next three home matches behind closed doors.
Violence has marred several NPFL matches this season despite the league body’s tough stance, including point deductions for Kano Pillars and Kwara United.
