The alleged assault on Kun Khalifat FC head coach, Obinna Uzoho, following his team's 1-1 draw against Doma United in Gombe State is another ugly reminder of the barbaric acts threatening the beauty of football in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Such incidents must not be tolerated in a league aspiring to attract quality foreign players, credible sponsors and international recognition.

According to reports, tensions reportedly escalated into chaos after the final whistle, with fans and officials of Doma United allegedly attacking Uzoho, members of his technical crew and some players. Images and accounts of the incident indicated that the Kun Khalifat coach sustained injuries, with blood reportedly visible around his mouth and nose. 

While the allegations require a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities, the disturbing nature of the reported incident raises serious questions about security at NPFL venues.

How can opposition fans allegedly attack a head coach simply because a football match has ended in a draw? What gives supporters the authority to lay their hands on a coach, player, referee or any other match official? 

Football is a contest governed by rules, not a battlefield where frustration, disappointment or rivalry becomes an excuse for violence. Coaches and players must be able to perform their professional duties without fearing for their safety.

This is one of the reasons the NPFL may struggle to attract quality foreign players and experienced coaches who have better options elsewhere. No professional footballer or coach wants to work in an environment where personal safety is uncertain. The same concerns can discourage corporate organisations from investing in the league. 

Sponsors want their brands associated with excitement, professionalism, fair competition and positive public engagement, not scenes of violence that damage football's reputation. 

If Nigeria wants its domestic league to compete favourably with other African leagues, matchday security and discipline must become non negotiable priorities.

The Nigeria Premier Football League, the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission and the relevant security agencies must treat the reported incident with the seriousness it deserves. 

Doma United's management should cooperate fully with any investigation, while the league authorities must establish the facts, identify those responsible and impose appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is proven. 

Clubs must also be held accountable for the conduct of their supporters and officials where the evidence establishes responsibility. Security arrangements at NPFL grounds must be strengthened to prevent spectators from gaining unauthorised access to players, coaches and match officials.

Nigerian football cannot continue to preach development while allowing alleged acts of violence to undermine the very people who make the game possible. 

Rivalry should end when the referee blows the final whistle, and disagreements must be resolved through established football procedures, not physical attacks. 

The alleged assault on Obinna Uzoho and members of the Kun Khalifat contingent must serve as a wake up call to the authorities. Violence has no place in football, and anyone found responsible must face appropriate consequences. 

The beautiful game deserves better, the NPFL deserves better, and Nigerian football fans deserve a league they can be proud of.