The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has handed a one-match suspension to Heartland striker Christian Molokwu, Completesports.com reports.
Molokwu’s suspension follows what the NPFL organisers described as an accumulation of yellow card offences.
The forward scored Heartland’s opening goal against Rivers United on Sunday at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, with a bicycle kick, taking his tally for the season to three.
However, on Monday, the NPFL informed the hierarchy of the Naze Millionaires about Molokwu’s one-match ban due to his yellow card accumulation.
Molokwu had also scored in Heartland’s 2-1 defeat to Rivers United in their first-round clash earlier this season.
After his team’s 2-0 triumph at Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday, Molokwu told reporters that bicycle kicks are a natural part of his game and that he takes pride in scoring against The Pride of Rivers.
“I see bicycle kicks as a normal part of the game. Yes, I practise them, and as for scoring against Rivers United, I think I’ll continue to do so whenever the opportunity arises.
“I knew I was going to score against Rivers United today. Before the match, I told my roommate that I was going to score, and it came to pass,” Molokwu said after the hard-fought contest.
Meanwhile, Completesports.com understands that the matchday 23 fixture between Katsina United and Heartland, originally scheduled for Saturday, 8 February 2025, at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium, Katsina, has been brought forward.
The match will now take place at the same venue on 7 February 2025.
According to the NPFL, the fixture will be broadcast live on StarTimes.
By Sab Osuji