Fresh allegations of match-fixing and betting involving the General Manager of Barau Football Club, Mr Dominic Iorfa, have sparked concerns among some stakeholders and supporters of the club, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the claims.
The allegations followed Barau FC’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 35 fixture against Kwara United.
Some sources within the club, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly, alleged that Iorfa was involved in betting activities linked to the match, including wagers allegedly placed against his own team.
One of the sources said the allegations had unsettled some players and supporters.
“People are worried because these are serious claims that touch on the integrity of the club and the game itself. Many stakeholders believe the matter deserves an independent investigation,” the source said.
The source added that the allegations had attracted attention because Iorfa had previously accused a former Barau FC captain of similar misconduct, a development that reportedly contributed to the player’s removal from a leadership position within the team.
Another source alleged that concerns had been raised by some players before the match over what they described as a lack of urgency despite the significance of the fixture.
“There were discussions among some players before the game. The feeling was that the match was not being approached with the intensity expected of such a crucial encounter,” the source alleged.
The source further claimed that some players suspected certain members of the squad may have deliberately underperformed, although no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the allegation.
Questions have also been raised regarding some aspects of the match, including refereeing decisions and tactical substitutions.
However, there is no official indication that any match officials or members of the coaching crew were involved in any wrongdoing.
Another source claimed that predictions had circulated before kickoff suggesting that the game would end in a 2-1 victory in favour of Kwara United.
“When the result eventually reflected what some people had predicted beforehand, it naturally triggered suspicion among supporters and stakeholders,” the source said.
The allegations have also revived discussions about claims that surfaced during Iorfa’s previous association with Lobi Stars, although no official findings have linked him to any wrongdoing.
Some stakeholders also expressed concerns over the administration of the club under Iorfa’s leadership.
According to sources, internal disputes, management decisions and personnel changes have contributed to instability within the club.
Among officials reportedly no longer with the club since his appointment are team captains, the team manager, sporting director, technical consultant and welfare officer.
“There is concern about the direction of the club. Many experienced officials have left, and people want answers regarding what is happening internally,” another source said.
The stakeholders also questioned the level of representation of indigenous Kano players within the squad, arguing that the club was established partly to promote football talents from Kano North Senatorial District.
Meanwhile, previous reports indicated that the Benue State Government, following a forensic audit, accused Iorfa and two others of alleged financial impropriety and directed the recovery of about N2.4 billion, with approximately N1.8 billion reportedly linked to his tenure.
However, Iorfa has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Speaking recently on a television programme, he maintained that he was wrongly accused and instead claimed that the Benue State Government owed him money.
“They owe me over N400 million. I have documentation for it. I never embezzled money. I was wrongly accused,” he said.
He explained that funds were transparently disbursed through the Accountant-General’s office during the administration of former Gov. Samuel Ortom, but that the process changed under Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
“When Governor Alia came, his style was different. For money to be released, the account had to be unlocked. Sometimes salaries or match funds would take a month to come. If he didn’t sign, you had to look for money elsewhere to play matches,” he said.
Iorfa also argued that the subsequent relegation of Lobi Stars was evidence that he had managed the club more effectively than his successors.
Despite the controversy, Barau FC management has continued to retain Iorfa, citing his experience and expertise in football administration.
Efforts to obtain comments from Iorfa on the latest allegations were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
