Umar Farouq Auwal Denies Links With Kano Clubs After NNL Match Controversy
A Match Commissioner in the Nigerian National League (NNL), Umar Farouq Auwal, has denied allegations linking him with football clubs in Kano State, insisting that he has no professional relationship with any team in Nigeria.
Auwal, also known as Gago Ahlan, made the clarification in a statement on social media following claims that he works with some clubs in Kano.
According to him, he currently serves under the Nigeria Football Federation through the Match Commissioners Appointment Committee responsible for appointing match officials in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the NNL.
“I, Umar Farouq Auwal (Gago Ahlan), have no affiliation or employment with any football club anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the allegations surfaced during Week 11 of the NNL season when he was appointed Match Commissioner for the game between Ranchers Bees FC and Jigawa Golden Stars FC.
According to Auwal, Ranchers Bees later submitted a letter to the committee claiming that he had a connection with Bichi First FC and was serving as the club’s media officer.
“However, they failed to present any evidence or proof to support this allegation,” he said.
He added that despite his request for proof, the committee decided to remove him from the match in order to maintain peace and protect the integrity of the competition.
“As a result, the Match Commissioners Appointment Committee decided to remove me from the match in order to maintain peace and uphold the integrity of the competition,” he said.
Auwal admitted he was unhappy with the outcome but accepted the decision.
“Honestly, I was not pleased with how the situation unfolded. Being removed from the match truly disappointed me, but from the beginning Allah had already decreed that I would not officiate that match,” he said.
He maintained that he performs his duties with professionalism and fairness.
“I am issuing this statement to clarify to the public and all stakeholders that I have no relationship with any football club in Nigeria or in Kano State,” he added.
Auwal also spoke about his sports programme “DA DUMI-DUMI,” which covers football matches across the country and highlights issues affecting the leagues.
“Naturally, some referees and club officials who engage in wrongdoing are not happy with the programme, because it exposes the truth,” he said.
He explained that the platform promotes transparency and helps improve accountability in Nigerian football by bringing attention to mistakes and misconduct in the leagues.
“As a patriotic Nigerian who desires progress, reform, and transparency in Nigerian football, I decided to undertake this initiative using my own time and personal resources,” he said.
Auwal concluded by calling for continued efforts to improve the standard of football administration in the country and expressed hope that Nigerian football will continue to grow and develop.
