In a dramatic twist that has left teams and fans in limbo, the Nationwide League One (NLO) has suspended the promotion playoff slated for Shagamu centre, citing a pending appeal by Positive FA as the cause of the halt.

The memo, officially circulated to all involved clubs, explained that the suspension is linked to Positive FA’s challenge against their disqualification from the league for failing to honour two matches during the season.

⚖️ Legal Tussle Stalls Grassroots Progress

According to the NLO, the decision to suspend the playoffs was a matter of fairness and due process, pending the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee’s final verdict on the matter.

“The matches have been suspended due to a pending appeal submitted by Positive FA against the NLO’s decision... for not honouring two matches during the season,” the league stated in its official memo.

🏆 Clubs in Limbo

The suspension affects four clubs who were gearing up for the crucial playoff:

Morak FC
Ekiti United
Adeyemi FC
Hammola FC

For these clubs, months of preparation and ambition are now on hold — another sign of how administrative loopholes can stall grassroots football development in Nigeria.

💭 Opinion: Time for Reform in Lower League Management

While it’s essential to uphold fair play and allow for due legal process, constant disruptions like this underscore a deeper issue: a need for better communication, stricter compliance timelines, and more robust league governance.

Grassroots clubs invest heavily in preparation, transport, and logistics, only to face indecision that affects players’ futures and fans’ interest. The NLO must work with the NFF to ensure such appeals are addressed swiftly and transparently — not at the cost of momentum and morale.

⏳ What Next?

A new date for the Shagamu playoff will be announced after the NFF Appeals Committee rules on Positive FA’s fate. Until then, the participating teams must wait — and hope for a resolution that puts fairness and the spirit of the game first.

💬 Do you think the suspension was the right call? Or should the playoffs have continued without Positive FA? Let us know using #NLOUpdates.