NLO Playoffs Halted Over Match-Fixing Probes in Three Cities

Controversy has erupted in this year’s Nationwide League One (NLO) Promotion Playoffs, as accusations of match‑fixing prompt suspensions in Port Harcourt, Sagamu, and Ijebu Od.

Originally slated to begin on Thursday, 12 June 2025 at eight venues nationwide, the playoffs in Port Harcourt were paused after Cynosure FC appealed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee. The club had accused E‑World FC and Liberty Lions of arranging their Calabar match by fielding just seven starters a claim later dismissed by the NLO as baseless.

Similarly, in Sagamu, fixtures were indefinitely suspended following an appeal by Positive Football Academy, who challenged sanctions imposed for alleged collusion during the group stage. Four clubs Morak FC, Ekiti United, Adeyemi FC and Hamuriola FC had been contesting for a slot in the Nigeria National League.

In Ijebu Ode, the NLO halted proceedings after uncovering glaring irregularities. ACT di Sports Oyibo FC, Seamoriow FC, Bisson FC and Franceex FC were each fined ₦500,000, banned for two years, and expelled from the playoffs. Officials cited matchday‑9 results swinging sharply Bisson, who had conceded seven goals in eight games, allowed nine in a single match Seamoriow, whose average was two goals per game, struck nine in one fixture raising suspicions of collusion.

According to Shola Ogunnowo, NLO COO, “The matches played by these clubs on Matchday 9 are hereby cancelled,” as the Secretariat invokes Article 4.17 to address the compromise.

Editorial

We believe these events represent a pivotal moment for grassroots football across Nigeria. When young talents and local communities invest heart and resources into climbing the football pyramid, transparent and disciplined competition must be non‑negotiable. By halting matches in Port Harcourt, Sagamu and Ijebu Ode, league authorities are sending a firm message to every club malpractice will not be tolerated.

We understand the frustrations of affected clubs months of planning, investment of ₦600,000 in registration, hopes of promotion all eroded by administrative delays or competitor misconduct. But if integrity is compromised, every effort becomes hollow. A level playing field is not only fair it is fundamental to nurturing sustainable growth and genuine grassroots development.

The swift penalties suspensions, fines, expulsions are overdue. They serve as deterrents far more potent than fines alone. Yet, the NLO must back these actions with improved adjudication systems, including transparent appeals and independent match monitors.

We urge clubs, officials and fans to view this not as punitive overreach but as collective safeguarding of football’s soul in Nigeria. The young athletes deserve nothing less than honest competition and fair opportunity only then can their dreams mean something real. Our position remains firm: without integrity, there is no game worth playing.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria’s NLO is the third tier of the national football pyramid, below the NPFL and NNL, grouping over 80 clubs.
2. FIFA allows a team to begin a match with seven players the minimum legal number although such circumstances are rare.
3. Match-fixing scandals contributed to Nigeria’s National League restructuring in 2023, significantly reducing centre allocations.
4. Article 4.17, invoked by the NLO, was introduced in 2020 to clamp down on match manipulation in grassroots competitions.
5. The NFF established an independent refereeing oversight committee in April 2025, threatening 10 year bans for compromised match officials.