The Nationwide League One has disqualified no fewer than 44 players and suspended Usman Kabir, as the body moves to uphold integrity and safety standards ahead of the 2025 season, The PUNCH reports.
The league’s medical screening revealed that 44 players across 31 registered clubs were medically unfit to participate in the upcoming season.
Offa Football Club had the highest number of disqualified players with six, followed by Camp Pro FC of Abuja, which had four players ruled out. The screenings, led by Dr Ayo Olajide, Medical Consultant to the league, exposed several hidden health conditions, including systemic hypertension.
“The affected players and clubs have been duly notified. They cannot be allowed to participate due to the risks posed by their health status. This is a preventive measure to preserve lives,” said NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo.
Ogunnowo added that with over 300 clubs across both NLO Division One and the NLO U19 category, medical tests are non-negotiable to protect players and reduce risks of serious incidents or sudden death.
Meanwhile, in a separate disciplinary action, the NLO suspended Usman Kabir indefinitely for submitting false identity details during his registration with Camp Pro FC.
A report sent to the NLO Secretariat obtained by PUNCH Sports Extra showed that the same player had been registered with Mumbiava FC Kano during the 2023 and 2024 seasons under the name Abbati Muhammad Gola.
“This action violates NLO Article 3.01(5), which requires that players’ full names (including surnames, other names, and date of birth) be accurately provided during registration,” the NLO said in an official communication.
“Clubs must also certify that the registered players are qualified to participate in the league according to the competition’s rules and regulations. Any club that submits false information may face appropriate sanctions from the board.”
As a result, Kabir is prohibited from participating in any matches in the league until further notice. The NLO added, “We will review his status in due course and communicate any updates as necessary.”
The league body used the opportunity to remind all clubs and players that violations of registration rules will attract serious consequences, reiterating their commitment to enforce rules in order to maintain fairness, safety, and trust in grassroots football.
“We will continue to enforce our rules in order to maintain fairness, safety, and trust in grassroots football.”
