The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee has exonerated Liberty Lions FC of Calabar from all allegations of match-fixing following a protest filed by Cynosure FC.
The ruling by the NFF Disciplinary Committee clears the path for the resumption of the suspended Nationwide League One (NLO) Promotion Playoffs, with E-World United now confirmed as winners of the Calabar Centre.
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The controversy erupted after Cynosure FC alleged that Liberty Lions deliberately aided E-World United’s 3–1 victory in the final group game of the Calabar Centre.
Central to Cynosure’s claims was the fact that Liberty began the match with only seven players—a move they argued suggested collusion.
However, following its sitting on July 2, 2025, the NFF Disciplinary Committee dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated.
In its report, the committee noted that:
The match time was changed from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the request of Cynosure FC’s chairman to ensure simultaneous kickoffs across final group matches.
Liberty Lions began with seven players due to logistical delays, but eventually fielded the full eleven in compliance with FIFA regulations.
Cynosure FC failed to provide any credible evidence of match manipulation.
As a result, the committee upheld the ₦500,000 fine imposed on Cynosure FC by the NLO for making a frivolous protest but overturned the six-month suspension of the club’s chairman, deeming it excessive.
With the decision finalized, the previously suspended Port Harcourt Centre of the NLO Promotion Playoff will now go ahead. E-World United will join FC ONE Rocket, Ozalla FC, and Ahudiya FC in a fierce contest for the fourth and final promotion slot to the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The NLO’s Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, had earlier confirmed that the playoff delay was due to Cynosure’s appeal.
Now that the matter is resolved, preparations are underway to announce new fixtures.
Liberty Lions FC, a rising football club with a strong academy system, made their NLO debut this season and had their campaign briefly clouded by the controversy.
The NFF’s decision not only clears their name but also reinforces the integrity of the NLO’s processes.
Cynosure FC, who missed out on qualification, had petitioned both the NLO and NFF, but despite repeated opportunities, failed to produce tangible proof.
As the dust settles, focus shifts back to the competition, where four clubs will battle for a place in Nigeria’s second-tier football league.
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