Abia Warriors and Enyimba International FC have successfully settled their outstanding financial obligations to former players, thereby escaping a transfer ban imposed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee (PSAC), Sports247 reports.
The two clubs were among several directed by the NFF PSAC to resolve long-standing financial disputes with former players.
Their prompt compliance marks a significant milestone, especially for Abia Warriors, who will represent Nigeria in the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
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Meeting financial obligations is a key requirement under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Club Licensing regulations, making the payments critical to Abia Warriors’ participation in the continental competition.
Abia Warriors had been ordered to pay a total of ₦26.15 million to six former players—a sum the club has now fully cleared.
This settlement, alongside that of Enyimba, means both teams are now eligible to register new players and proceed with preparations for the upcoming season.
In a related ruling, the NFF PSAC had earlier ordered Enyimba to pay ₦1,000,000 to Gateway United FC as the outstanding balance for the transfer of James Oghomwan Oronsaye, who joined the Aba-based club during the 2021/2022 season.
Gateway United, a Nigeria National League (NNL) side, filed a complaint alleging that Enyimba failed to remit the full agreed transfer fee. Enyimba had previously paid ₦500,000 before the February ruling and subsequently settled the remaining ₦500,000 along with a ₦25,000 interest penalty for defaulting—demonstrating full compliance with the PSAC’s decision.
However, the PSAC has enforced a strict transfer and registration ban on ten other clubs that failed to meet similar financial obligations. These clubs include:
Akwa United FC, Lobi Stars FC, Sunshine Stars FC and Plateau United FC.
Others are Niger Tornadoes FC, Bendel Insurance FC, Heartland FC, Kano Pillars FC and Gombe United FC.
According to the PSAC, all affected clubs were granted a 45-day grace period to either settle their debts or agree to a structured payment plan with the players or coaches involved. Failure to comply within this timeframe has now triggered a transfer and registration embargo for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
In a formal letter to the NPFL Chief Operating Officer—sighted by our correspondent—the PSAC directed full enforcement of the sanctions, emphasizing that the bans will remain in effect until each club fully complies in writing with the Committee’s decisions.
This latest development underscores the NFF’s resolve to uphold contractual integrity and safeguard the rights of players within Nigerian football.
