El-Kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars, others risk being banned by Nigerian Federation 

Newly promoted Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, and reigning President Federation Cup champion, El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Lobi Stars and some clubs in the NPFL are on the verge of been banned from all football activities, if they fail to pay judgment sum to their former players whose contracts were unilaterally terminated. 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) through its Players status and Arbitration committee, on 24th May, 2024, ordered El-Kanemi to settle the debt,  30 days from the date of the decision, with a grace period of 15 days totaling 45days.

Through their legal representative, FIFA Licensed Football Agent, Mr. Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia, the players Bala Yusuf Mohammed, Adoyi Emmanuel and Suleiman Sadiq Abubakar had written to the Nigeria Football Federation, explaining in details how El Kanemi Warriors had treated them unjustly by unlawfully breaching the contract binding them.

The NFF after reviewing documents submitted by the claimants, and response from the respondents Elkanemi Warriors, found out that El Kanemi Warriors,were guilty of unilaterally terminating the contract of the players without just cause, and ordered the Maiduguri based club to settle the overdue payables.

Although the NFF ruled that the team should pay 50 percent of the salaries owed, this reduced amount the club has failed to pay till date.

Going by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee's decision, El-Kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars and others will not be cleared to participate in any football activities within and outside Nigeria if they fail to adhere to the verdict of the NFF on or before July 8th 2024.

The legal representative of the players Mr. Eddie Iseri Ogbemudia said: "It's a new dawn for Nigeria football, the current composition of NFF Players Status and  Arbitration Committee are men that desire to write their names in gold in the history book of Nigeria Football.

"The few opportunities I have had before the committee you will know they are ready to wield the big stick no matter who is involved.

"It's unfortunate that one of our Continental representatives in CAF Confederation Cup is among those who will suffer this. I believe they still have a few days to do the needful or suffer the consequences."

Time is ticking and Elkanami Warriors FC, Lobi Stars FC and other clubs will soon know their fate!

Bayo Adegboyega

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com