Nigeria National League (NNL) side Godswill Akpabio FC have officially declared one of their players, Energy Kennedy Otunuya, Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) following his unexplained absence from the team.

The club made this known in a statement released on Friday, explaining that Otunuya failed to resume with his teammates for preparations ahead of the second stanza of the league season.

According to the statement, the player has been absent since April 2025 and has made no effort to communicate with the club regarding his whereabouts or possible return.

“The management of Godswill Akpabio FC hereby informed the general public that Energy Kennedy Otunuya has been Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) since April, 2025,” the statement read.
“Otunuya has failed to resume with the rest of his teammates for second stanza preparation, there has been no communication or response from the player on his return.”

The club also confirmed that the matter has been formally reported to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the relevant league authorities, in line with professional and regulatory procedures.

Opinion: Discipline Still Matters in Nigerian Football

This development highlights a recurring issue within domestic football — professionalism and accountability. While players often face legitimate challenges such as contract disputes, welfare concerns, or personal issues, completely disappearing without official notice puts both the club and the player in a difficult position.

For Godswill Akpabio FC, the absence disrupts team planning, squad balance, and preparation during a crucial phase of the season. For the player, being declared AWOL could carry serious consequences, including sanctions, suspension, or damage to his professional reputation.

Modern football thrives on communication. Even in moments of disagreement, dialogue remains essential. Walking away silently rarely ends well.

As Nigerian football continues its push toward stronger structures and credibility, situations like this serve as a reminder that discipline, transparency, and mutual respect remain non-negotiable pillars of the game. How this case is resolved may well set an important precedent for player–club relations in the NNL moving forward.