NLO slams Cynosure FC with ban, fine over player eligibility breach

Posted : 22 May 2026

Cynosure FC of Abakaliki has been hit with heavy sanctions by the Nationwide League One (NLO) after the club was found guilty of fielding ineligible players and submitting false registration documents during the ongoing 2026 season.

The NLO Secretariat confirmed that the club breached several provisions relating to Player Eligibility and Amateur Status after using players registered with Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs in NLO matches.

The affected players are Orngudwem Raphael of Solution FC and Ogbodo Valentine Chizoba of Osun United FC, both of whom were still under active professional registrations. Chizoba was also reported by Osun United as Absent Without Leave (AWOL).

According to the league body, Cynosure FC knowingly declared one of the players as an amateur and allegedly submitted forged or misleading documents during registration in a bid to beat league regulations.

The infractions were uncovered during routine verification exercises conducted by the NLO Secretariat, leading to a disciplinary hearing held on May 19, 2026. Representatives of the club attended the sitting, where Chairman Mr. Nwaeze Chidiebere Prince reportedly admitted that the information presented by the league was authentic.

He, however, claimed ignorance of the rules guiding the use of professional players in amateur competitions, including FIFA regulations requiring a 30-day waiting period before participation. He also argued that he was unaware that loan arrangements involving amateur registrations were prohibited.

The Disciplinary Committee rejected the defence, insisting the actions of the club were deliberate and capable of damaging the integrity of the amateur league system.

The committee further stated that evidence presented showed Cynosure FC deliberately misled the NLO, concealed important registration details, and gained an unfair sporting advantage through the illegal registration of players.

Following its findings, the committee imposed multiple sanctions on the Ebonyi-based club, including forfeiture of affected matches, a fine of ₦500,000, suspension from all NLO competitions for the remainder of the 2026 season, and a two-year probationary period.

The ruling takes immediate effect, although the club retains the right to appeal the decision within 72 hours.

This decisive disciplinary action emphasizes the league's unwavering stance on transparency and adherence to administrative guidelines. By enforcing severe penalties, the NLO aims to safeguard the competitive fairness of grassroots football across Nigeria. The sweeping verdict leaves Cynosure FC facing a challenging period of restructuring as they navigate the immediate athletic and financial fallout.

NLO slams Cynosure FC with ban, fine over player eligibility breach

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