We write to alert the public and necessary authorities to the dangerous trend being set by one of Nigeria's biggest football clubs Rivers United FC as it affects safety of young people in sports, their future career and lack of regards for sporting integrity.

On 16th of March, 2025 we were shocked to see an online public declaration made by Rivers United via its official social media pages about a 17-year old player named, Seiyefa Jackson, whom the club claimed absconded, therefore putting a tag on his back as a wanted person.

Our investigation of the issue revealed that the parents of the child took him away from Rivers United FC to safeguard his mental health and sporting development after citing that the Rivers United environment was becoming unhealthy for him. This, according to the father, Mr Tamunogomabo, they did by informing the club despite not having any contractual obligation with the club.

To put things into further perspective, we reached out to Rivers United FC by email, telephone and other means but they refuse to respond to all inquiries. 

*Effects of Rivers United FC's Reckless Action* 

What they did is injurious to the football career of the lad and Nigeria football in general.

Declaring the kid wanted and putting his pictures online and social media pages violated the child safety rights.

It violates the child rights act of the federal republic of Nigeria and the international principles of United Nations on the rights of a child.

It exposes and maximises the risk of abuse and harm to the kid on social media that may taunt him for life.

It endangers the mental wellbeing of the kid with a potentially grave effects on his psychology.

It puts the kid at very high physical security risk, and as such, endangers his life.

*Our Verdict* 
The club has proven that it is unsafe for young people in its decision making and actions. The club was insensitive to the dangers it's actions may bring on the 17-year old's life. Which shows they have no regard for sports integrity.

We urge the National Sports Commission and the NFF to come up with a Safeguard framework and national safe principles on sports, which could help in preventing future recklessness as displayed by Rivers United FC.

Sport Integrity Foundation is concerned about helping to safeguard the Nigerian sports system by upholding the highest standards of Integrity.