The Nigeria Professional Football League board have cleared Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda of reports that he punched a ball boy during a league game involving his club Eyimba and Katsina United.
Katsina United reported after the game that the Ghana goalie punched the ball boy who collapsed and was rushed to the hospital.
Having reviewed the match tape of the incident, the club has reached the following conclusions;
" That Dauda simply sought, in the aftermath of Katsina United’s second goal, to retrieve the ball from the ball boy in order to facilitate a quick restart."
"That Dauda knocked the ball out of the grasp of the ball boy, who had clasped the ball to his midriff to prevent access to it."
" That Dauda did not punch the ball boy, as alleged by the home side, and contrary to widespread reports."
"That Dauda did not assault or beat up the ball boy in question, let alone to the “point of coma” as some sensationalist reports have purported."
" That any contact with the ball boy in the process of dislodging the ball was clearly and purely incidental."