NLO Play-Off Venue Sparks Controversy as Two Clubs Seek NFF Intervention

Posted : 26 July 2026

The choice of Aba, Abia State, as the venue for the Nationwide League One (NLO) South-East Promotional Zone play-offs has come under scrutiny, with Ekomsy FC and Cynosure FC urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to relocate the matches to a neutral ground.

In a joint petition dated July 23, 2026, and addressed to the NFF President, the clubs argued that hosting the decisive promotion play-offs at the Enyimba International Stadium would undermine the principles of fair competition.

According to the petition, the venue gives Abia-based clubs Jaguar FC and Right to Win FC a significant home advantage through their familiarity with the stadium, support from local fans, and minimal travel demands.

The clubs also raised concerns over what they described as a potential conflict of interest involving officials linked to the participating teams and the host venue.

They alleged that the owner of Right to Win FC also serves as the Sporting Director of Abia Comets, while Jaguar FC's Director of Sports is the Director of Media of Enyimba International FC, owners of the stadium selected for the play-offs.

Ekomsy FC and Cynosure FC maintained that these relationships could create questions about the neutrality of match-day administration and venue management.

The petition further questioned why the South-East Promotional Zone was not following the practice adopted in other NLO promotion centres, where neutral venues have traditionally been used to ensure fairness for all competing clubs.

The two clubs appealed to the NFF President to halt plans to stage the play-offs in Aba and direct the NLO Secretariat to select an alternative venue within the South-East where none of the participating teams is based or has administrative influence.

They argued that such a move would reinforce the values of transparency, equity, and sporting integrity while safeguarding the credibility of the promotion process.

Copies of the petition were also sent to the Chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One Secretariat, the Chairman of the South-East Football Stakeholders Forum, and the President of the Nigeria Referees Association.

The clubs expressed confidence that the football authorities would consider their concerns and take appropriate action in the interest of justice and the integrity of the competition.

The outcome of the appeal is expected to determine whether the play-offs proceed at the proposed venue or are moved to a neutral location, as the clubs continue to seek what they believe is a fair and transparent promotion process.

NLO Play-Off Venue Sparks Controversy as Two Clubs Seek NFF Intervention

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