ABS FC demands justice as NNL, NFF integrity put to the test
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club has restated its position regarding the protest arising from the recent Nigeria National League (NNL) matchday six clash with Kada Warriors, in which an ineligible player, Aliyu Ferinyaro, was fielded despite prior notice to match officials.
ABS FC demands justice as NNL, NFF integrity put to the test
Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club has restated its position regarding the protest arising from the recent Nigeria National League (NNL) matchday six clash with Kada Warriors, in which an ineligible player, Aliyu Ferinyaro, was fielded despite prior notice to match officials.
Aliyu Ferinyaro, a former captain of ABS Ilorin FC, remains under a valid and subsisting contract with the club. Contrary to established football transfer regulations, the player allegedly absconded from ABS Ilorin FC and was subsequently registered by Kada FC without obtaining a valid clearance from the club.
The management of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin Football Club officially raised this matter before kickoff, duly informing match officials and relevant authorities of the player’s contractual status. Despite this clear notification, Kada FC proceeded to field Aliyu Ferinyaro, an action ABS Ilorin FC considers a blatant disregard for due process and the regulations governing player registration and eligibility.
The club views this incident as a critical test of integrity for both the Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Globally, football governing bodies have consistently sanctioned clubs and even national teams for fielding ineligible players.
Recall that South Africa was recently sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in a FIFA Worldcup qualifying match.
ABS FC firmly believe that football must be governed by the same standards of fairness, transparency, and strict enforcement of the rules.
The club hereby challenges Kada Warriors to publicly and officially clarify how a player still under contract was transferred or registered by them. ABS Ilorin FC maintains that the responsibility lies with Kada Warriors FC to present valid and verifiable documentation evidencing a lawful transfer and clearance.
“ABS Ilorin Football Club believes in the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts,” the club states. “Aliyu Ferinyaro captained this club and remains under contract. Until due process is duly followed, he remains an ABS Ilorin FC player.”
The club reaffirms its confidence in the Nigeria National League and the Nigeria Football Federation to act decisively, fairly, and transparently in resolving this matter. The club emphasizes that the outcome of this case will not only determine the result of a single fixture but will also send a strong message about fairness, professionalism, and respect for contractual obligations in Nigerian football.
For ABS Ilorin FC, this matter transcends the issue of points; it is fundamentally about protecting the integrity of the game.