By Amaechi Agbo
Match fixing scandal has rocked Nigeria Nationwide League One, NLO, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.
The match in question involved Akure City FC and Ajiroba FC all of Ondo state on match-day 8 of the league which was played 11th July, 2019.
The away team, Ajiroba FC “surprisingly” defeated the home team by 2-9 in the match which was played at Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, the state capital.
The attention of the NLO secretariat and the Nigeria Football Federation Integrity/Match Fixing Unit were drawn to the ‘suspicious’ score-line, hence the need for investigation.
The management of the NLO consequently raised eyebrow over the score-line stating that “There is suspicion on the outcome of the match, therefore the NLO has been mandated to commence full investigation of the match to determine if the match is ‘FIXED’”.
Consequently, the management has directed the two clubs, the three match officials in the match, centre referee, assistant referee 1 and 2 as well as Ofarayede Timothy to submit their match report on or before Wednesday, July 17.
In a statement the league posted on its Twitter handle, the management questioned why they should not be sanctioned as stated in NLO rules Article 4:17 & 9:02
“The attention of Nationwide League One Secretariat and Nigeria Football Federation Integrity/Match Fixing unit was drawn to the Week 8 match played between Akure City FC of Ondo and Ajiroba Ooni FC of Osun.
“Where the away team Ajiroba Ooni FC of Osun defeated the home team Akure City FC by 2-9, the match was played on Thursday 11th July 2019 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
“There are lots of suspicion on the outcome of the match, therefore the NLO has been mandated to commence full investigation of the match to determine if the match is ‘FIXED’.
“The Under-listed are hereby requested to submit their report why they should not be sanctioned as stated in NLO rules article 4:17 & 9:02.
“Akure City FC, Ajiroba Ooni FC, Awoyinka Deji CR Kwara State, Obinna Ike AR1Kwara, Olayinka Busayo AR2 Kwara and Ofarayede Timothy
“The Nationwide League One Secretariat will appreciate a response on or before Wednesday 17th July 2019,” the statement read.