OGUN FA CUP SAGA: Journalist assaulted as Stormers-Gaiters match sinks into chaos
A journalist was assaulted and a media officer repeatedly slapped in violent scenes that marred the Ogun State FA Cup clash between Nationwide League One (NLO) side Gaiters FC and
A journalist was assaulted and a media officer repeatedly slapped in violent scenes that marred the Ogun State FA Cup clash between Nationwide League One (NLO) side Gaiters FC and Nigeria National League (NNL) side Stormers SC at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Stormers SC won the match 3-2, but the result was overshadowed by a series of violent incidents involving the home side's players, coaching staff and General Manager, Lekan Kelani.
Trouble began during the match when the Stormers SC head coach slapped an assistant referee and was subsequently sent off. The game deteriorated further at full time when Stormers players set upon Gaiters FC's academy players, manhandling the youngsters.
The Nation and SportingLife correspondent David Bolarinwa, who was at the stadium on assignment, was surrounded by Stormers players at the sidelines as he sought post-match interviews. The players slapped him, damaged his belongings and continued to assault him before bystanders intervened.
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A video circulating on X, formerly Twitter, showed Stormers SC General Manager Lekan Kelani repeatedly slapping Gaiters FC media officer Olayinka Salaudeen.
Salaudeen condemned the violence after the incident, describing it as a stain on Nigerian football and calling for the club to face sanctions.
"There shouldn't be room for violence in our sport. This is a game we all love and it should be uplifted by the spirit of sportsmanship," he said.
"How can you launch at children — boys who are under 18 — threatening them with career-ending injuries and fighting them for outplaying you? The head coach slapped the assistant referee and was sent off. This is not football, and we really hope the authorities sanction them."
