The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims suggesting it is offering undue protection to Nasarawa United FC, following a petition by Bayelsa United FC concerning their Round of 16 encounter in the 2025 President Federation Cup.
The match, played in Anyigba, Kogi State, on Wednesday, April 16, ended 1-1 in regulation time before Nasarawa United edged past Bayelsa United 5-4 on penalties.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Bayelsa United lodged a protest with the NFF—dated the same day—challenging the eligibility of five Nasarawa United players: Detan Ogundare, Emeka Onyema, Ogochukwu Leonard, Solomon Chigozie, and Benjamin Jack.
In its official response, the NFF refuted any wrongdoing and confirmed the legitimacy of the players in question.
“After thorough examination of your claims, it is our findings that:
1. The listed five (5) players above are in the submitted list of Nasarawa United Football Club for registration for the 2025 President Federation Cup (find as contained and highlighted in the attached list).
2. The said five (5) players were duly registered and issued players licenses by the Nigeria Football Federation to participate in the 2025 President Federation Cup for Nasarawa United Football Club.
Thus, your protest lacks substance and merit, and therefore did not succeed.”
The ruling clears Nasarawa United of any alleged registration violations and confirms their place in the quarter-finals of the prestigious domestic competition.
