The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee has ruled in favour of Jaguar FC in its appeal against the decision of the NFF Disciplinary Committee over the controversial Nationwide League One (NLO) fixture against Abakaliki Feeders FC.
The decision, delivered in Abuja on July 24, 2026, overturns key aspects of the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling and restores Jaguar FC’s place in the 2026 NLO Promotion Playoffs, scheduled to hold in Aba, Abia State, from August 6 to 12.
The appeal stemmed from the match between Abakaliki Feeders FC and Jaguar FC played on May 26, 2026, in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
After reviewing the notice of appeal, documentary evidence, oral testimonies, the NLO’s decision, and the ruling of the Disciplinary Committee, the Appeals Committee identified a major flaw in the disciplinary proceedings.
According to the committee, the Match Commissioner’s Report relied upon by the Disciplinary Committee was fraudulent.
During the hearing, the individual identified as the Match Commissioner testified that he neither attended the match in that capacity nor prepared or submitted any report for the fixture. He also stated that he was never informed of any appointment as Match Commissioner.
The Appeals Committee ruled that this unchallenged testimony established that the report was forged and fraudulently introduced into the disciplinary process, thereby misleading the Disciplinary Committee and compromising the integrity of its decision.
Consequently, the committee found Abakaliki Feeders FC guilty of breaching Article 4:13(1) of the 2026 Nationwide League One Rules and Regulations by presenting or benefiting from a forged Match Commissioner’s Report during the disciplinary proceedings.
While the committee upheld Decision One of the Disciplinary Committee, it set aside Decisions Two and Three and reaffirmed the original decision of the Nationwide League One.
The Appeals Committee also declared that the appropriate sanctions under the NLO regulations should apply against Abakaliki Feeders FC and recommended that the NFF Secretariat investigate those responsible for the alleged forgery and fraudulent representations with a view to imposing further sanctions.
With the appeal succeeding in its entirety, Jaguar FC has officially reclaimed its place in the NLO Promotion Playoffs, where the club will compete for a place in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The Appeals Committee further stated that its judgment is final and binding on all parties in accordance with Article 70 of the NFF Statutes, with no further appeal permitted.
