The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee has cleared Lagos-based ACT Sports di Oyibo FC of any wrongdoing in relation to allegations of match manipulation in the concluding fixture of the Nationwide League One (NLO) season.

The club had come under scrutiny after it suffered a 9-2 defeat in its final game of the season against Seamoriow Football Academy, prompting suspicion of possible result tampering. However, the Appeals Committee, in a ruling issued after reviewing submissions and evidence, dismissed the claims as lacking merit.

The committee found that the NLO had failed to provide conclusive evidence to support allegations that the match involving ACT Sports was compromised. It also noted procedural lapses in the disciplinary process, including the denial of a fair hearing to the parties involved.

“In the absence of sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the match between Franceex United FC and Bison FC was fixed, and considering that both teams were denied a fair hearing, the NLO’s decision to cancel the results of the two matches is hereby set aside,” the Committee ruled.

The decision effectively restores ACT Sports di Oyibo’s standing in the league, though stakeholders still retain the right to pursue further appeal.

Reacting to the verdict, President of ACT Sports di Oyibo FC, Pastor Samuel R. Oyibo, expressed his relief and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to fair play.

“It was tough for the club to face such serious allegations, especially for a grassroots team working hard to build young talent,” he said. “As a pastor and football administrator, I held firm to my faith and belief that the truth would prevail. Match manipulation has never been, and will never be, part of our ethos.”

He added that the club remains focused on its mission of talent development and providing viable career pathways for young footballers.