By TONY UDOKA

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has nullified several disciplinary actions issued by the Nationwide League One (NLO) over alleged match-fixing and misconduct, citing procedural lapses and lack of credible evidence. The Committee, which met on July 2, 2025, emphasized the primacy of due process, fair hearing, and evidence-based adjudication in all football disciplinary matters.

At the heart of the deliberations were protests filed by Campos FC, Cynosure FC, Franceex United FC, and Positive Football Academy, all contesting punitive measures handed down by the NLO. The meeting, chaired by Barr. Abdulrahman I. Abdulrahman, scrutinised each case on its merits and uncovered systemic flaws in how the NLO handled the investigations.

One of the most notable cases involved Campos FC, which was slammed with a two-year suspension and a N500,000 fine after a resounding 15-0 win over A & A FC raised suspicions of match-fixing. The NLO pointed to a purported audio recording in which A & A FC players allegedly grumbled over unpaid incentives, suggesting prior arrangement. However, the Committee found the recording to be a third-party account lacking direct credibility and was deeply concerned that Campos FC was never invited to respond to the accusations.

As a result, the disciplinary action against Campos FC was set aside, and the NFF Integrity Unit was tasked with reopening the investigation, this time with fairness and thoroughness. This approach set the tone for other similar reviews that followed during the session.

Franceex United FC and Bison FC were also drawn into controversy after Franceex’s 9-0 triumph prompted the NLO to cancel the result over suspected foul play. However, the Committee found glaring procedural lapses: Franceex United was not given an opportunity to defend itself, and the official match report made no mention of any irregularities. Again, the Committee overturned the NLO’s decision and directed a fresh probe by the Integrity Unit.

Another case involved Cynosure FC, which accused Liberty Lions FC of manipulating their fixture against E-World FC. The game, which was rescheduled to 8:00 a.m. for simultaneous group-stage play, began with Liberty Lions fielding just seven players for the first 15 minutes, raising eyebrows. Yet, Cynosure failed to back up its allegations with evidence during the NLO hearing. While the Committee deemed the petition frivolous, it also found the six-month suspension of Cynosure’s chairman excessive.

Consequently, the chairman’s suspension was lifted, though a N500,000 fine imposed on Cynosure FC was upheld to discourage reckless accusations in the future.

Meanwhile, Positive Football Academy faced disciplinary action for failing to honour two matches and not presenting physical player licenses during one fixture, leading to a walkover. While the Committee acknowledged a breach of Article 4.12(7) of the NLO Rules, it ruled that there was no evidence the academy had withdrawn from the league, a necessary trigger for harsher penalties under Article 2.06.

Accordingly, Positive FA was withdrawn from the current season in line with NLO rules, but the NLO’s decision to expel the club and impose a two-year ban on its officials was reversed.

Across the board, the Committee underscored the need for transparency, credible evidence, and strict observance of due process in the administration of justice within Nigerian football. It directed the NFF Integrity Unit to carry out detailed investigations into all match-fixing allegations afresh, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

Those present at the disciplinary session included Barr. Abdulrahman I. Abdulrahman (Vice Chairman), Barr. Mukhtar Ibrahim, Barr. Wole Ademoyegun, Barr. Bello Galadi, and Queen W. Otarakpo, Esq. (Secretary). All rulings remain subject to appeal.