By Oluwashina Okeleji, BBC Sport, Lagos

The Nigeria Football Association have reduced Akwa United's ban

The Nigeria Football Association's Appeals Committee has overturned a ruling made by the Nigeria Football League (NFL) to ban Akwa United.

The NFL dished out a record fine of US$10,000 to Awka United as well as banning the club from using their Uyo Stadium for three years in March.

The move came after three fans died in crowd violence during a game between former African champions Enyimba and the league newcomers Akwa United.

But the NFA's Appeal Committee have now reduced the stadium-ban to just one year and have ordered a replay of the game in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on 13 May.

Other fines issued to Akwa United by the NFL have been upheld.

"The committee decided that a replay of the game was the best way for both teams to be reconciled," NFA spokesman Ademola Olajire said.

It's sad that in Nigeria there's one rule for one club and a separate one for others Enyimba chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu

"The three-year ban placed on Uyo stadium has been reduced to one year on the condition that within 12 months the stadium is fully constructed."

Enyimba chairman Felix Anyansi-Agwu described the NFA ruling as a 'farce'.

"It's sad that in Nigeria there's one rule for one club and a separate one for others," Anyansi-Agwu told BBC Sport.

"This decision is an indictment on Nigerian football as it has once again been proved that people who run the game cannot effectively interpret their own rules.

"It's a shame that an incident which resulted in the loss of lives is being treated like a minor affair, I am extremely disappointed," Anyansi-Agwu added.

NFL chairman Oyuiki Obaseki, who is leading a campaign to reduce violence in Nigerian football, also responded to the change.

"I wonder how we can improve our league and cleanse the system when things are not properly done," says Obaseki.