( CNN ) -- It 's not every day that just two football matches produce a cricket score -- in this case an incredible 146 goals -- and Nigerian football authorities are so suspicious of the games in question that they have been referred to the police as a `` criminal matter . '' As both Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine FC battled to reach the fifth tier of the Nigerian football league on Monday , the amateur sides racked up 79-0 and 67-0 wins respectively . At half-time , the teams had managed a relatively meager 13 goals between them -- only for the avalanche to begin as the teams tried to outdo one another on goal difference . The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) indefinitely suspended the winning sides and their beaten opponents as it launched an investigation into an incident it termed `` a mind-boggling show of shame never previously witnessed in Nigerian football . '' The scores were the biggest seen in African football since Madagascar 's AS Adema won 149-0 in a 2002 match where losing side Stade Olympique l'Emyrne scored numerous own goals in protest at a refereeing decision . `` We have reported the matter to police as it is a criminal matter , '' the NFF 's Assistant Media Director Ademola Olajire , told CNN . `` They will do their due diligence , and we will also do our own investigation . The results of our investigation are likely to result in very , very severe penalties for all involved . The clubs may be banned for life . '' One of the losing sides , Bubayaro , has already been disbanded by its president following their thrashing by Police Machine FC , while Akurba FC were the side who shipped 79 goals . Like the NFF , Bubayaro owner Shuaibu-Gara Ahmed Gombe also referred the incident to police in Bauchi State , which is where the playoff matches took place . But those associated with the club can not wash their hands of the matter by simply closing Bubayaro down , says Olajire . `` We still have details of their officials , '' he explained . `` They still exist as people and they will have to answer to the police . '' In its initial statement , the NFF described the results as `` scandalous '' . The material benefit for whichever side won promotion was minimal , says Olajire , and the players themselves would gain little by stepping up a division . Even wages for those playing in Nigeria 's elite Premier League rarely top $ 200 per month . `` Getting into the ( fifth ) division is no great shakes financially , '' the NFF media spokesman said . `` Even clubs in the second division struggle to make ends meet . There is sponsorship for teams in the Premier League but very little compared to what they pay to play games around the country . '' Football 's world governing body FIFA is also interested in what action the NFF takes . `` The matter is firstly the responsibility of the Nigerian Football [ Federation ] , '' FIFA told CNN in a statement . `` Therefore FIFA is currently monitoring the situation and waiting for action taken by the Nigerian [ federation ] . '' As they entered the third and final round of matches to determine which team would gain promotion to the Nationwide League Division 3 , Plateau United and Police Machine were level on points , goal difference and goals scored . Both sides had managed a total of just two goals in their previous two games but at halftime in the decisive matches , Plateau United were 7-0 up and holding the advantage as their opponents had scored one fewer . The second half witnessed a tsunami of goals , with United netting on 72 occasions and Police Machine plundering 61 strikes themselves . Police Matter . One thorny issue for those leading the inquiry is that Yola-based Police Machine are a side that represent Nigeria 's police force . `` This will be a very dispassionate job , '' the NFF 's Olajire added . `` We believe the police will do a fair job , no matter that a police team is involved . `` I want to assure you that this matter will interest the Director General of police , Mohammed Abubakar , who is a former member of the NFF board . '' CNN tried to contact police authorities in Nigeria but they were not immediately available for comment . Neither were officials from clubs that traditionally lack presence both domestically and online . News of what leading NFF official Mike Umeh has called a `` scandal of huge proportions '' come in a year when Nigerian football has been on the up . Earlier this year , the West African country won the Africa Cup of Nations when beating Burkina Faso in the final , the Super Eagles ' first continental title since 1994 and their third overall . However , Olajire does not believe the playoff farce will be of any detriment to the standing of Nigerian football around the world . `` You have people who try to break the law everywhere . What matters are the steps that are taken next . We want to assure you that the NFF is on top of this . ''
Nigeria Football Federation refers `` scandalous '' results to police for investigation . Comment: World governing body FIFA tells CNN it is monitoring Nigeria Football Federation 's actions .