Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks 2025 NLO

Posted : 03 June 2025

As the imbroglio of the match-fixing scandal rocking the 2025 Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) continues, fresh facts have begun to emerge regarding the principal actors in the controversy: Cynosure FC of Abakaliki and Liberty Lions FC.

According to sources, the chairman of Cynosure FC allegedly persuaded the Liberty Lions FC chairman to become involved in a match-fixing scheme intended to produce a result in Cynosure’s favour. Cynosure FC’s boss reportedly urged his counterpart at Liberty Lions FC to collaborate in manipulating the outcome of a game.

The Cynosure FC chairman had earlier claimed ignorance of any wrongdoing, despite having filed a petition regarding the match between Liberty Lions FC and E-Word United, which he claimed had been fixed and called for sanctions. However, the NLO’s investigation determined that the chairman raised a false alarm by alleging the match was played with only seven players on one team and eleven on the other, whereas it was actually 11 vs. 11.

Consequently, he has been banned for six months and fined ₦500,000 by the third-tier domestic league's regulatory body. Meanwhile, an impeccable source provided a detailed account of how Cynosure FC initiated its match-fixing plan.

“With the NLO planning for the matches between Liberty Lions FC and E-Word United, as well as Cynosure FC and May & Frank FC, to be played simultaneously, the Cynosure FC chairman began plotting the fix,” the source explained.

“Prior to the matches, the Cynosure FC chairman called the Liberty Lions FC chairman in Calabar, warning him that his team risked relegation due to its current league position. The Liberty Lions FC chairman acknowledged the concern, stating they had a crucial final match against E-Word United. The Cynosure chairman then urged him to convince the E-Word United chairman to ensure a favourable result for Liberty Lions.”

The source added, “The Liberty Lions FC chairman felt uneasy about the call. He was told to negotiate with the E-Word chairman, but he made it clear that E-Word FC, who still had a chance of topping the group, would never agree to manipulate the match or enter into any such arrangement.”

Acting swiftly, the Nationwide League One (NLO) Secretariat, in a letter dated 3rd June 2025 and referenced NNWL/LGMT/02/111, addressed to the Ebonyi State Football Association and the chairman of Cynosure FC, announced the opening of a preliminary investigation into the alleged match-fixing plot.

The letter stated: “We are concerned about a petition involving the chairman of Cynosure FC, who allegedly contacted the chairman of Liberty Lions FC Calabar before their last league match to influence the outcome against E-Word United. This is the same match that previously drew complaints from the Cynosure chairman due to its result.”

It has been confirmed that the Cynosure FC chairman attempted to persuade Liberty Lions FC to approach the president of E-Word United in order to manipulate the result. However, Liberty Lions declined the request.

As a result, the NLO Secretariat has launched a formal investigation into both parties and affirmed its commitment to holding all involved accountable. “The Nigeria Nationwide League One will not tolerate any actions that compromise the integrity of football,” an official stated.

Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks 2025 NLO

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics