Cynosure FC’s ploy to discredit 2025 NLO season baseless – Secretariat

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The Nationwide League One (NLO) Secretariat has been alerted to a misleading report circulated by Cynosure FC, using unscrupulous and anonymous media outlets to undermine the credibility of the nation’s third-tier league.

According to part of the report shared on online platforms, which lacked any iota of truth read: a team that fielded a full squad and lost has faced punishment, while a team that fielded only seven players appears to have escaped consequences. Furthermore, a team that raised concerns about match manipulation has been penalized, resulting in the suspension of its Chairman and a fine of #500,000 imposed on the team.

To clarify the situation, Cynosure FC submitted a letter of complaint to the NLO Secretariat expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the match between Liberty Lions FC and E World United FC, which took place at the Calabar center during the ongoing NLO league season.

Cynosure FC alleged that Liberty Lions FC were involved in match-fixing by taking the field with only seven players, thereby giving their opponent, E World United FC, an unfair advantage This allegation is particularly significant as the outcome of the match would determine which team secures the sole playoff ticket from the Calabar Centre.

The Match Commissioner’s report on the game proves Cynosure FC’s malicious campaign against the NLO to be totally wrong.

INCIDENTS/OTHER OBSERVATIONS: The match was scheduled to kick off simultaneously with the game at the U.J. Esuene Stadium at 7:30 AM. However, the Liberty Lions FC players arrived late. By FIFA rules and NLO guidelines, the match officials and the Match Commissioner decided to allow the match to start with only 7 players from Liberty Lions FC on the field so that both matches could begin on time. (FIFA LAW 3) It was agreed that as more players arrived, they could join their teammates on the field.

After 15 minutes of play, Liberty Lions FC was able to field a full team of 11 players for the remainder of the match. The game was very interesting, with both teams displaying great skill, and they shook hands at the end of the match.

Based on facts from the findings, it was evident that Cynosure FC deliberately engaged in an act that undermined the reputation of football in Nigeria by raising a false alarm.

Therefore, Cynosure FC Chairman was invited by the NLO disciplinary committee, and he was not able to substantiate his claims on the allegations. Therefore, Cynosure FC was fined ₦500,000 and suspended from all football activities for one year. The action was a result of their false alarm, which had the potential to damage the image of the country, the Nigeria Football Federation, and Nationwide League One.

The teams standing of the group is attached.