NLO Orders Clubs to Complete Players’ Facial Verification

The Nationwide League One NLO has directed all clubs in Division One and the U19 Youth League to complete facial verification for their players ahead of the March 30 registration deadline.

The league’s secretariat, through its media department, emphasised that this new measure is crucial in preventing duplicate registrations. Clubs are now required to verify each player’s identity as part of their registration process.

For players who have already been registered but fail verification meaning they are registered with another club—the NLO instructed that the holding club must release them. Once the release is confirmed by the NLO Admin, the player can then be verified for registration with their new team.

The NLO highlighted the importance of submitting proper release documents before the window closes. Clubs are responsible for uploading these documents, which will then undergo verification by league administrators.

Once the registration window closes, no new signings will be permitted. This process aims to ensure fairness and transparency across the league, with all clubs expected to register both existing and new players using the updated facial recognition technology.

Clubs facing challenges with the system have been advised to reach out to NLO support for guidance and assistance.

Editorial

We welcome the NLO’s decision to enforce facial verification across all Division One and U19 Youth League clubs. In a league where fairness and integrity are paramount, this move signals real intent to maintain order and credibility. We have seen far too often how loopholes in registration can result in duplicate signings and unfair advantages. That era must come to an end.

We believe this step will not only promote transparency but also strengthen the administrative backbone of grassroots football in Nigeria. This process ensures that clubs will take player documentation more seriously, which will reduce age fraud and improper registrations. It sends a clear message that no club can cut corners.

While this technology brings an exciting level of precision to player identification, we also recognise that some clubs may struggle with the technical aspects. The call for them to seek support is vital, and we encourage the NLO to ensure their help channels are responsive and effective. No club should be left behind because of technical barriers.

Additionally, the requirement to upload release documents and go through verification highlights the need for club administrators to operate with professionalism and integrity. Clubs that neglect these procedures risk sanctions and the loss of key players.

This development could mark the beginning of a more transparent and accountable system that benefits everyone involved clubs, players, and fans alike. We must continue to hold football institutions to the highest standards, and this move is a significant step in that direction.

Did You Know?

1. The Nationwide League One is Nigeria’s third-tier league, with over 100 participating clubs.
2. The NLO has been a springboard for many players who later joined the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL.
3. Facial verification technology was first introduced in Nigerian football during the 2023/24 registration season.
4. Clubs that fail to comply with NLO registration requirements can face fines, suspension, or disqualification.
5. Several African countries are adopting similar verification systems to combat age fraud and player identity issues.