NFF Clears Cynosure FC of Wrongdoing
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has overturned the sanctions imposed on Cynosure FC by the Nationwide League One (NLO), ruling that there was no sufficient evidence to support allegations of illegal player participation.
The decision was reached during the committee’s meeting held on 15 July 2026, following a protest filed by Cynosure FC against the earlier verdict of the NLO Disciplinary Committee.
According to a statement released by the NFF Communications Department, the committee carefully reviewed documentary evidence and found that the NLO’s decision was not based on any formal or informal complaint against the club.
Committee’s Key Findings
The committee established that player Orngudwem Raphael was originally with Abakaliki FC before transferring to Solution FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL), where he featured during the first half of the 2025/2026 season.
Following his official release by Solution FC on 20 January 2026, Raphael observed the mandatory 30-day waiting period before being duly registered by Cynosure FC on 17 March 2026. The committee confirmed that all relevant documentation was in order.
Similarly, the committee found that Ogbodo Valentine Chizoba, who had previously belonged to Cynosure FC, was temporarily released to Osun United FC through mutual agreement.
However, the investigation revealed that Chizoba never signed a binding contract with Osun United and did not play a single competitive match for the club. His only appearance was his inclusion at the bottom of the match form for the NNL fixture between Osun United FC and Godswill Akpabio FC on 14 February 2026.
The player subsequently returned to his parent club, Cynosure FC, and was re-registered on 16 March 2026 after completing the mandatory 30-day off-play period.
NLO Criticised for Failure to Investigate
A major observation by the committee was the failure of the NLO Secretariat to investigate a letter sent by Osun United FC on 2 April 2026, claiming that Chizoba was missing.
The committee described the NLO’s failure to investigate the claim as an abdication of its responsibilities, noting that proper verification should have been carried out before sanctions were imposed.
It further concluded that the allegations of illegal participation of professional players by Cynosure FC were unsustainable, doubtful and therefore unreliable.
NFF Disciplinary Committee’s Decision
Based on its findings, the committee ruled as follows:
- The sanctions numbered 1 to 4 imposed by the NLO Disciplinary Committee on 19 May 2026 have been completely set aside.
- The protest filed by Cynosure FC has been upheld.
- The ruling does not affect the right of any party to appeal the decision.
Committee Members
The meeting was presided over by:
- Barr. JBC Obikwelu – Chairman
- Barr. Wole Ademoyegun – Member
- Barr. Bello Galadi – Member
- Queen W. Otarakpo, Esq. – Secretary
What the Verdict Means
The ruling restores Cynosure FC’s position after months of uncertainty and reinforces the importance of due process in Nigerian football administration. It also serves as a reminder to league organisers to thoroughly investigate complaints and verify documentation before imposing disciplinary sanctions.
The decision is expected to generate significant interest across the Nigerian football community, particularly among clubs participating in the Nationwide League One and Nigeria National League, as it highlights the need for transparency, fairness and strict adherence to football regulations.
