NFF Disciplinary Committee annuls select NLO sanctions, orders fresh investigations into alleged match-fixing

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has handed down a series of pivotal decisions following its meeting on July 2, 2025, where several controversial rulings by the Nationwide League One (NLO) were reviewed.

The Committee emphasized the need for due process and fair hearing, while also directing the NFF Integrity Unit to undertake fresh investigations into unresolved allegations of match-fixing.

Campos FC: Suspension Set Aside Pending Further Investigation
Campos FC, previously banned for two years and fined ₦500,000 in the wake of a 15–0 victory over A & A FC, has been granted temporary reprieve. The Committee found that the NLO did not present credible evidence nor provide Campos FC the opportunity to defend itself during initial inquiries.

In response, the suspension and fine were set aside, with the NFF Integrity Unit instructed to launch a comprehensive probe into the match.

Cynosure FC: Chairman’s Suspension Overturned
The Committee also addressed a protest lodged by Cynosure FC, who had accused Liberty Lions FC of manipulating their rescheduled match against E-World FC. The complaint, however, was found to be unsubstantiated.

While the ₦500,000 fine issued to Cynosure FC for filing a frivolous claim was upheld, the Committee deemed the six-month suspension of the club chairman excessive and rescinded it.

Franceex United FC: Match Result Reinstated
Franceex United FC’s emphatic 9–0 win over Bison FC had previously been invalidated by the NLO over alleged match-fixing. However, the Committee ruled that no sufficient evidence supported the allegations and that both clubs were denied fair hearing.

Accordingly, the cancelled result was restored, and the Integrity Unit has been charged with conducting further investigation.

Positive Football Academy: League Withdrawal Confirmed, Expulsion Overturned
Positive Football Academy was found to have breached league regulations by failing to honor two scheduled matches and failing to present valid player licenses in one fixture. The Committee upheld the decision to withdraw the club from the league under Article 4.12(7) of the NLO rules.

However, it overturned the club’s expulsion and two-year ban, citing a lack of evidence indicating intentional withdrawal under Article 2.06.