By Peter Omopo
Tension flared in on Sunday after a sports journalist was reportedly mobbed by aggrieved supporters following a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 26 fixture.
The incident occurred at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl of the in Ilorin after the encounter between and ended in a 1-1 draw.
According to reports, the journalist, Sodiq Adebara, was mistakenly identified by some young fans as one of the match officials who handled the highly contested game. The misunderstanding sparked anger among supporters who were dissatisfied with what they described as controversial refereeing decisions in the closing stages of the match.
Eyewitnesses said the situation nearly degenerated into a serious crisis before the swift intervention of the Chairman of the (SWAN), Kwara State chapter, Mallam Ayodeji Ismail, alongside other members including Abdul Momoh, Toyin Saheed, Mallam Mustapha Abubakar and Bolaji Yaqub.
Their timely response helped to calm tensions and secure the journalist’s safety.
The protesting supporters reportedly expressed frustration over officiating decisions they believed influenced the outcome of the match.
As of the time of filing this report, no injuries had been officially confirmed. Stakeholders have since appealed for calm, urging fans to channel grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
