ABS FC Accuses Kada Warriors of Fielding Ineligible Player, Tests NNL’s Integrity

ABS FC have raised a formal complaint against Kada Warriors over the alleged fielding of an ineligible player during their Matchday Six encounter in Ilorin, a development that has stirred fresh debate around contract enforcement and fair play in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

In a statement released on Monday, the Ilorin-based club accused the Kaduna outfit of parading Aliyu Ferinyaro despite prior notice from match officials concerning his status. According to ABS FC, Ferinyaro is a former captain of the club and still has a valid and subsisting contract with them.

“ABS FC believes in the rule of law and the sanctity of contracts,” the statement read. “Aliyu Ferinyaro captained this club and remains under contract. Until due process is duly followed, he remains an ABS Ilorin FC player.”

The club further described the situation as a critical test of integrity for the NNL, urging the league body to uphold its regulations and protect the credibility of the competition.

A Bigger Issue Than Three Points

Beyond the immediate result of the match, this controversy touches a deeper nerve within Nigerian football. Player contract disputes are not new, but how they are handled often determines whether the league is seen as professional or permissive.

If a player truly remains under contract, allowing him to feature for another club undermines the very foundation of league governance. It sends a troubling message to clubs that invest in players and to players who rely on clear contractual pathways for their careers.

On the other hand, if the league fails to act decisively, it risks turning regulations into mere suggestions—something Nigerian football can ill afford at a time when trust, structure, and growth are desperately needed.

The Ball Is in the NNL’s Court

For the NNL, this is more than a routine petition. It is an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to due process, transparency, and the protection of contractual agreements. Whatever decision is reached must be swift, clear, and firmly rooted in the league’s statutes.

Football thrives on passion, but it survives on order. As fans await the league’s response, one thing is clear: how this case is resolved may set a precedent that echoes far beyond Matchday Six.