The Nationwide League One (NLO) has made more facts available on why it sanctioned Cynosure FC of Ebonyi State following a disciplinary review into allegations of match-fixing leveled against Liberty Lions FC in their May 5, 2025, fixture against E-World United FC at the Calabar Centre.

 

According to the match reports and Committee reports made available to www. exclusivenews.com.ng, Cynosure FC had petitioned the NLO Secretariat, expressing suspicion over the integrity of the match, which had significant implications for the race to secure the sole playoff ticket from the center. They alleged that Liberty Lions FC deliberately started the game with only seven players to give E-World United FC an undue advantage.

 

However, following an investigation, the NLO concluded that the claims were unsubstantiated. According to the referees’ official report, Liberty Lions FC began the match with seven players, with others joining midway through the first half. The club explained that the sudden rescheduling of the match — from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. — prevented full squad communication in time.

 

The Calabar Centre Manager had requested that both decisive fixtures — Liberty Lions vs. E-World United and Cynosure FC vs. May & Frank FC — be played simultaneously at 7:00 a.m., a change approved by the NLO Secretariat to preserve competitive integrity.

 

Cynosure FC was unable to provide credible evidence to support their allegations of match manipulation. The disciplinary committee ruled that the actions of Cynosure FC amounted to bringing the game into disrepute.

Sanctions Imposed:

• The result of the Liberty Lions FC vs. E-World United FC match stands.

• Cynosure FC is fined N500,000 for raising a false alarm and damaging the image of the Nationwide League One and Nigerian football.

• The Chairman of Cynosure FC is suspended from all NLO-related activities for six months.

• Cynosure FC is suspended from all football activities for one year.

 

NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olusola Ogunnowo, who conveyed the decision, emphasized the league’s commitment to upholding the principles of fair play, integrity, and transparency.

“We strongly encourage Cynosure FC to enhance its internal oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents and to reinforce public trust in football governance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cynosure FC has already appealed against all the decisions at the NFF Disciplinary Committee.