BY BEN OGBEMUDIA

Twenty-four hours before the final match-day of the Nationwide League One Promotion Playoffs at the Ijebu-Ode Centre, a match-fixing scheme involving two clubs has been uncovered.

The matches feature a two-way race for the sole Nigeria National League (NNL) ticket. Top-ranked Magic Stars will face third-placed Lekki United, while second-placed Ikorodu City will take on bottom-placed Franceex United.

Currently, the standings show that Magic Stars FC and Ikorodu City are tied with 4 points, while Lekki United has 3 points after two matches each. However, Magic Stars FC holds the edge due to a superior goal difference of plus one. This makes for an exciting final day, but the NLO must remain vigilant against any actions that could compromise the integrity of the league.

The two key matches will take place simultaneously at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium (Main bowl & Practice Pitch A).

A representative of the Nigeria Football & Other Sports Interest Group, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, disclosed, “I can confirm that the match officials have turned the playoffs here in Ijebu-Ode into a quick money-making scheme. It is alleged that a large sum of N1.5 million has changed hands between members of the Referees Council in Ogun State and agents of Ikorodu City FA.

“It was also alleged that Ikorodu City FA did the same at the Legacy Centre, which was evident since they received penalty kicks in nearly all their matches.

“Sadly, Ikorodu City FA will now meet Franceex United, who were previously implicated in a match-fixing scandal against Bison FC after a 9-0 result. Although the NLO expelled them, the NFF Appeals Committee reinstated them to the league as winners of the Maracana.

“The agents of Ikorodu City FA and the Referees Council in Ogun State were alleged to have devised plans to ensure the team wins by more than a 5-goal margin, all in a bid to secure the NNL ticket at all costs, without regard for the integrity of the game.”

“The NLO must closely monitor both matches on Tuesday to prevent match-fixing and manipulation at the Ijebu-Ode Stadium,” the representative added.

“We urge the NLO Secretariat not only to oversee these two matches but also to impose the strictest sanctions possible on any actions or practices that could bring the game into disrepute, regardless of who is involved.”