The Nationwide League One (NLO) has launched a full-scale investigation into the promotion play-off match between Flight FC and Junior Mighty Jet FC following the controversial 8-3 result recorded on Sunday at the Lafia Township Stadium.
In a statement issued by the league’s Secretariat, the NLO described the scoreline as “scandalous” and said it had raised serious concerns about the integrity of the fixture. The match, played as part of the ongoing promotion play-offs, has now come under official scrutiny over allegations of possible match compromise.
According to the league, a preliminary assessment of both clubs’ performances throughout the 2026 season, including the round-robin group stages, showed that neither Flight FC nor Junior Mighty Jet FC had previously recorded such an extraordinary scoreline or displayed a comparable defensive collapse.
The Secretariat stated that the pattern of goals scored and the overall conduct of the game had triggered significant suspicions of unsporting behaviour, adding that such incidents undermine fair competition and tarnish the image of the league.
As part of its immediate response, the NLO announced that the result of the match has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The league also directed the technical staff and captains of both clubs to appear before the NLO Integrity Unit and Disciplinary Committee on July 9, 2026, at the NLO Secretariat to assist with the investigation.
The Secretariat warned that if evidence of match manipulation, collusion or compromise is established, it will impose the maximum sanctions available under the NLO Rule Book and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Statutes. Such penalties could include expulsion from the league as well as long-term bans for players and officials found culpable.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the credibility of Nigerian football, the NLO said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of the promotion play-offs and ensure that any breaches of its regulations are dealt with decisively.
The statement was signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the NLO, Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo.