Jigawa Golden Stars Win Protest as NFF Overturns NNL Ruling

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has awarded Jigawa Golden Stars FC three points and three goals following a successful protest against Yobe Desert Stars FC for fielding an ineligible player.

Meeting on March 30, 2026, the Committee reviewed the case involving Shedrack John of Yobe Desert Stars, who had already accumulated three yellow cards prior to the fixture against Jigawa Golden Stars. Despite this, he was allowed to play, prompting Jigawa’s protest.

During the hearing, Nigeria National League (NNL) Chief Operating Officer Danlami Alanana admitted that the league had not conducted a thorough investigation before its initial decision.

He confirmed that the player had indeed received one yellow card while playing for Ranchers Bees FC and two while representing Yobe Desert Stars.

The Committee ruled that Yobe Desert Stars had fielded an ineligible player and faulted the NNL Disciplinary Committee for failing to award Jigawa Golden Stars the match by default. Consequently, the earlier ruling was set aside, and Jigawa Golden Stars were granted three points and three goals.

The NFF emphasized that the decision remains subject to appeal.