The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that Wikki Tourists center-back Abubakar Aliyu is barred from competition following a surge in disciplinary infractions. The defender incurred his fifth booking of the campaign during Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to Ikorodu City, triggering an automatic one-match ban. Consequently, the “Bauchi Elephants” will be forced to restructure their backline for Sunday’s pivotal Matchday 37 clash against Rivers United.
Despite formal grievances lodged by the club, the league’s governing body formally ratified the decision in a memorandum issued by Stanley Ike-Richard on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer. The NPFL reaffirmed its full support for match official Joseph Ogabor, explicitly reminding the club that the referee maintains absolute jurisdiction over the enforcement of match regulations.
