Nigerian soccer teams in 79-0, 67-0 games suspended

Published 7:48 am Tuesday, July 9, 2013

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The Nigeria Football Federation says it has suspended all four teams involved in “scandalous scorelines” after two lower-league soccer clubs chasing promotion and needing to boost their goal difference won games by 79-0 and 67-0.

In the matches, played at the same time, the Plateau United Feeders reportedly scored 72 of their goals in the second half to beat Akurba FC 79-0. Police Machine reportedly scored 61 times against Babayaro FC in the second 45 minutes of their 67-0 game.

The NFF calls it “a mind-boggling show of shame” and says players, match officials and the tournament coordinator all will be investigated for match-fixing.

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The NFF director of competitions says “anyone found to have played some role in this despicable matter” will be “severely dealt with.”