NLO Slams Ban, Fine On Cynosure FC
Cynosure FC of Abakaliki has been penalised for a second consecutive season by the Nationwide League One (NLO). Its crime, two violations: illegally playing a professional player in an amateur league and submitting false registration information.
The NLO Secretariat states that Cynosure FC used Nigeria National League players in several matches this season, violating NLO rules on Player Eligibility and Amateur Status (Articles 3:01, (5), 3:01, (8), 3:01, (11), 3:01(13), and Article 9:02).
The players involved are Orngudwem Raphael from Solution FC (NNL/2025/2026/SFC/030, until 30/08/2026) and Ogbodo Valentine Chizoba from Osun Utd FC (NNL/2025/2026/OUF/052, until 02/02/2027). Notably, Chizoba was declared AWOL (Absent Without Leave) by Osun Utd management.
Cynosure FC reportedly submitted knowingly false declarations and forged or misleading documents, claiming the player was an amateur, thereby deceiving the NLO during registration. These violations were discovered through routine verification by the NLO Secretariat.
The Disciplinary Committee met on 19th May 2026. The Club was notified and attended, with the Chairman admitting the information was genuine but claiming ignorance of the illegalities regarding fielding a professional player in an amateur match without a 30-day hiatus, as per FIFA rules.
Despite being informed, the Chairman, Mr. Nwaeze Chidiebere Prince, said he wasn’t told that loaning an amateur is illegal, which also breaches transfer rules. The Committee found the defence unpersuasive, noting deliberate actions that risked undermining the amateur league.
Evidence showed Cynosure FC was guilty of serious violations, including misleading the NLO, hiding documents, and gaining unfair advantage, notably with Player Raphael’s transfer.
Sanctions include forfeiture of matches, a ₦500,000 fine, suspension from all NLO competitions for the rest of 2026, and two-year probation. The decision is effective immediately, with an appeal process available within 72 hours.
