FCT NLO Club Chairmen Distance Themselves From ‘Progressive Chairmen Forum’

The chairmen of Nationwide League One (NLO) clubs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have officially disassociated themselves from the self-proclaimed NLO Clubs Progressive Chairmen Forum. They have unequivocally reaffirmed the Nationwide League One’s position as the sole governing body for grassroots football in Nigeria.

Following a meeting in Abuja, the chairmen issued a communiqué pledging their full allegiance to the league’s established statutes. They asserted that any group operating outside the NLO’s framework lacks legitimacy, branding the so-called Progressive Club Chairmen Forum as “unpopular and illegitimate” among the capital’s NLO clubs.

The meeting, attended by representatives from over 33 FCT NLO clubs, raised significant concerns regarding the forum’s intentions. The chairmen believe the group’s agenda was formulated without proper consultation and does not align with the league’s developmental objectives.

Barrister Babatunde Akintade, the North Central representative on the NLO Board, spoke to journalists post-meeting. He stressed that all league activities strictly adhere to the statutes of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), whose authority stems from its Congress – the highest decision-making body in Nigerian football.

Akintade reiterated that the forum operates without the sanction of either the NFF or the NLO, and consequently, FCT-based clubs do not recognise its existence or activities. He added that clubs would resist any attempts to disrupt the smooth running of the league season.

The chairmen reaffirmed their commitment to the NLO’s approved governance structure, as outlined in NFF Congress-ratified statutes. They also highlighted the League Secretariat’s authority to disregard any group falsely claiming to represent NLO clubs.

The FCT NLO clubs concluded by pledging continued adherence to Articles 8 and 9 of the league statutes, which mandate all registered clubs to fully comply with NLO rules and broader NFF regulations. They urged all stakeholders to remain focused on grassroots football development and avoid actions that could undermine the league’s integrity and progress.