Controversy Rocks NLO-NNL Playoffs in Kaduna as Family Worship Center FC Walks Off Pitch in Protest
The ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO)-Nigeria National League (NNL) playoff in Kaduna ended in shocking controversy on Sunday as Family Worship Center FC dramatically refused to continue their decisive match against City FC Abuja in the 70th minute.
In a rare and bold protest, the playerson the instruction of their head coach, Coach Bunmi, a known figure within Nigeria’s football circles,sat down on the field and refused to play, effectively halting the match.
The protest, according to Coach Bunmi, was sparked by what he described as a “pattern of unjust officiating” throughout the tournament.
He claimed that referees were working off a “predetermined script” favoring certain teams, especially pointing to a previous match where City FC was awarded three penalties in a single game against Camp Pro FC.
“We’ve endured poor officiating since Day 1. It was clear something wasn’t right. I know the consequences of our action today, but silence would have meant complicity,” Bunmi told reporters after the match. “I may be punished, but at least people will know that this was not a fair tournament.”
Following the walk-off, City FC Abuja maybe awarded the match and, with that, promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL), pending any review or disciplinary decision from the league organizers.
The protest has drawn swift and harsh criticism from league officials. Chief Operating Officer of the NLO, Shola Ogunnowo, did not hold back in his reaction.
“Coach Bunmi is a disgrace to football,” Ogunnowo declared. “I’ve never seen such a shameful act,especially from someone who once held a position with our national teams.”
Ogunnowo dismissed the coach’s claims of injustice, pointing out that other teams in the group played under the same conditions.
“He should speak for himself. Was he the only team in the group? What happened to the other matches he played and lost? If he’s crying over one match against City FC, what about the others?”
“What is he trying to prove? So if he’s leading a national team at an international competition and a referee makes a call he disagrees with, he’ll ask the players to sit on the pitch? It’s shameful. He should kiss the national team goodbye.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate within the football community. While some fans and analysts slammed Coach Bunmi for embarrassing the sport, others praised his boldness in highlighting what they view as recurring officiating irregularities in lower-tier Nigerian football.
On social media, the hashtag #NLOPlayoffProtest trended across Nigerian football circles, with many demanding a comprehensive investigation into the officiating and general conduct of the tournament.
Football pundit Ayo Ojediran tweeted:
“You may not agree with Coach Bunmi’s method, but he exposed a cancer in Nigerian football; manipulated matches and poor governance. The NLO needs to investigate itself.”
With City FC’s promotion currently upheld, attention now turns to the NLO Disciplinary Committee, which is expected to review the incident in the coming days.
For Family Worship Center FC, the future is uncertain. The team now risks sanctions, fines, or even suspension from future NLO competitions.
