Nigeria ref in bizarre move

Dolphins (in blue) are the runaway leaders in the NFA league

A Nigerian referee who ruled out a late goal at the weekend to prevent a riot has changed his mind and awarded victory to league leaders Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt.

Dolphin, playing at Plateau United, scored a goal in the 87th minute. After a pitch invasion which took the police 10 minutes to clear, the referee decided to disallow the goal and the game ended goalless.

But in his match report to the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), the referee said the goal was legitimate and awarded Dolphin a 1-0 win.

"He said he had to reverse the decision at the time to prevent a breakdown of law and order in view of the volatile situation in the stadium," said NFA Professional League secretary Salisu Abubakar.

He had to reverse the decision at the time to prevent a breakdown of law and order Salisu Abubakar NFA pro-league secretary

"Based on his report, the three points go to Dolphin," he added.

Dolphin manager Diepriye Fiberesima was attacked after Plateau supporters stormed the pitch. He was taken to hospital and later discharged.

The Nigerian league has been punctuated by violent incidents since the season began in February.

Kwara United are to protest the alleged kidnapping of their Liberian coach Jokar Wrechar by supporters of Gabros FC.

Wrechar, according to local media reports, disappeared at half-time and the visitors refused to play on, forcing the referee to abandon the match and award it to Gabros.

The Liberian appeared several hours later at the team's hotel, saying seven gunmen had abducted him from the stadium.