NLO Breaks Silence on Club Sanctions, Denies Witch-Hunt Amid Match-Fixing Storm
LAGOS, NIGERIA – June 13, 2025 | IDNN Sports Desk
The Nationwide League One (NLO) has come under fire over a string of disciplinary actions affecting clubs ahead of its 2025 Division One playoffs — but the league’s leadership insists that the sanctions were guided strictly by league statutes and not a witch-hunt.
Playoffs and Rising Tensions
The NLO playoffs, initially scheduled to kick off nationwide this week, were postponed to address a flurry of unresolved petitions and disciplinary issues. This move raised eyebrows among fans and stakeholders, with some accusing the league of bias and selective punishment.
But NLO’s Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, defended the delay, emphasizing that the league followed due process.
Rulebook at the Core of Decisions
“All sanctions were applied based on the rulebook,” Ogunnowo said. “We are not profiling any team. We simply uphold the league’s integrity.”
He referenced Article 4.17, which deals with match manipulation, as the basis for punishing clubs like Franceex United, Campos FC, and others involved in controversial high-scoring games.
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Franceex United 9-0 Bison FC
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Campos FC 15-2 A&A FC
Both results triggered investigations. Ogunnowo confirmed that video footage, referee reports, and match commissioner records were reviewed before sanctions were imposed.
Specific Sanctions and Fallout
According to the NLO:
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Offending clubs were fined ₦500,000 each
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Results were annulled
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Minimum two-year bans apply to individuals involved in manipulation
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Suspended playoffs at Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Port Harcourt centres
The league noted that four active appeals are currently before the Nigeria Football Federation Appeals Committee, and rulings are pending.
“No Room for Manipulation”
Ogunnowo stressed that any attempt to manipulate match outcomes would be met with zero tolerance.
“Fair play, respect, and discipline are our founding principles,” he said. “We have built this brand over years of hard work. We won’t let a few bad actors derail it.”
The COO also called out Cynosure FC, accusing them of levelling unsubstantiated allegations against Liberty Lions FC. He stated that the club failed to present any evidence to back its claims and was instead contributing to a toxic narrative.
What Next for the NLO?
With playoffs temporarily suspended, attention now shifts to the NFF Appeals Committee, which will determine if clubs can be reinstated or if further disciplinary action is warranted.
But for now, the NLO’s position is clear: clean football or no football at all.