The Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) yesterday disqualified the Ekiti male hockey team from participating at the ongoing 18th National Sports Festival (NSF) over identity distortion and fielding of ineligible players.
Walter Imoedemhe, the NHF Technical Director, who disclosed this to journalists, said that the offence was against the sports festival’s rules.
He said that Team Rivers on Monday protested Team Ekiti’s fielding of ineligible players which led the NHF jury, after a thorough investigation, to disqualify Ekiti players.
Imoedemhe reiterated that the federation would no longer tolerate such offences, saying that they could bring both the NHF and the National Sports Commission (NSC) into disrepute.
“I am still warning that states should desist from these acts which will not portray the NHF in good light. Stiffer penalties will be given to any erring state which is found culpable.’’
NAN reports that Ondo State female team was also disqualified for the same offence on Monday.
As a result of the disqualification, Ondo lost three points, as well as three goals and also paid a fine of N10, 000 to their Lagos counterparts, who lodged the complaint.
In the men’s matches played on Monday, Team Adamawa and Team Oyo drew 0-0 at the end of regulation time as the game was decided 3-2 through a penalty shoot-out, in favour of Adamawa.
Team Kaduna also defeated team Anambra 1-0, Team Plateau held Team Imo to a 0-0 draw, while Team Bauchi lost 0-3 to Team Lagos.
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