The Nationwide League One (NLO) has sanctioned Peace FC after finding the club guilty of fielding ineligible players and submitting false registration documents, in breach of league regulations. The disciplinary action followed a routine verification exercise conducted by the NLO Secretariat, which uncovered the violations and led to proceedings before the league’s disciplinary committee.
According to the ruling, the players involved were Abasim Henry and Ekwo Stanley, both registered with Solution FC, as well as Mbakaogu Chibuike of EDEL FC. The three players are reported to remain under contract with Nigeria National League clubs through 2026 and 2027, making them ineligible to feature for Peace FC under the league’s rules.
As a result of the sanctions, Peace FC has forfeited all matches in which the ineligible players appeared. Under the NLO’s decision, opposing teams will be credited with three points and a 3-0 scoreline, unless the actual scoreline on the pitch was higher, in which case the higher result will stand. In addition, the club has been fined 500,000 naira, which must be paid within seven days.
The punishment also includes a suspension from all NLO competitions for the rest of the 2025-26 season. Peace FC has further been placed on probation for two seasons, meaning the club will remain under close scrutiny in future league activities. The NLO said the decision takes immediate effect.
However, Peace FC still has a chance to challenge the ruling. The club has 72 hours from the time it receives the decision to file an appeal with the Nigeria Football Federation Appeals Committee, in line with NLO appeals procedures.
The case highlights the league’s ongoing efforts to enforce player registration rules and maintain the integrity of competition. By penalizing the club for documentation irregularities and the use of ineligible players, the NLO has signaled that breaches of eligibility requirements will be met with strict disciplinary action.
