NFF Faults NLO Investigation, Lifts Sanctions On Cynosure FC

NFF Faults NLO Investigation, Lifts Sanctions On Cynosure FC

By Admin 

The Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has overturned the sanctions imposed on Cynosure FC by the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), ruling in favour of the club after reviewing its protest, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The committee reached the decision at its meeting on July 15, 2026, following an examination of the circumstances surrounding the NLO's ruling. It found that the sanctions were not based on any formal or informal complaint lodged against Cynosure FC.

In its findings, the committee established that player Orngudwem Raphael was originally registered with Abakaliki FC before transferring to Solution FC, Awka, a Nigeria National League (NNL) club, where he featured during the first half of the 2025/2026 season.

The committee noted that Solution FC officially released the player through a letter dated January 20, 2026. Cynosure FC subsequently registered him on March 17, 2026, after he observed the mandatory 30-day waiting period required before registration. The committee said documentary evidence supported the transfer process.

On the case of Ogbodo Valentine Chizoba, the committee found that he was initially a Cynosure FC player who joined Osun United FC, another NNL side, through a mutual agreement between both clubs.

According to the committee, Ogbodo did not enter into a binding contract with Osun United after his registration for the 2025/2026 NNL season. It further observed that he did not play any competitive match for the club, with his name appearing only on the match form for the February 14, 2026 fixture between Osun United FC and Godswill Akpabio FC.

The committee stated that the player later returned to his parent club, Cynosure FC, and was re-registered on March 16, 2026, after observing the mandatory 30-day waiting period. Documentary evidence was also presented to support this process.

The committee further faulted the NLO for failing to investigate a letter dated April 2, 2026, in which Osun United FC declared Ogbodo missing. It described the failure to investigate the matter as an abdication of duty by the NLO.

Based on its review, the committee concluded that the allegations against Cynosure FC regarding the alleged illegal participation of professional players in the amateur league were not supported by credible evidence.

"The evidence against Cynosure FC on the alleged illegal participation of professional players in the amateur league is unsustainable. It is shrouded in doubt and therefore unreliable," the committee stated.

Consequently, the committee ruled that:

- The sanctions contained in the NLO Disciplinary Committee's decision of May 19, 2026, were set aside.

- The protest filed by Cynosure FC succeeded.

- The ruling is without prejudice to the right of appeal by any aggrieved party.