NLO probes alleged match-fixing involving Flight FC, Junior Mighty Jets

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of match compromise surrounding a controversial playoff fixture at the Lafia Township Stadium between Flight FC of Benue State and Junior Mighty Jet FC of Plateau State. In a notice dated July 6, 2026 and addressed to the Benue State Football Association and […]

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of match compromise surrounding a controversial playoff fixture at the Lafia Township Stadium between Flight FC of Benue State and Junior Mighty Jet FC of Plateau State.

In a notice dated July 6, 2026 and addressed to the Benue State Football Association and Plateau State Football Association, the NLO Secretariat announced that it had commenced an investigation into the playoff match between Flight FC of Benue State and Junior Mighty Jet FC of Plateau State.
According to the league, the fixture, which ended in a 9–3 scoreline, raised significant concerns after a preliminary review of the teams’ performances and historical records throughout the season.
“The nature of the goals scored and the general conduct of the match raise significant suspicions of match compromise and sporting behaviour, which are in direct violation of the integrity of the sport and the NLO Rules and Regulations,” the notice stated.
As part of the disciplinary process, the league has suspended the result of the match pending the conclusion of its investigation.
It also directed the technical staff and captains of both Flight FC and Junior Mighty Jet FC to appear before the NLO Integrity Unit and Disciplinary Committee on July 8, 2026, at the league’s secretariat.
The NLO warned that any evidence of match manipulation, collusion or compromise could attract severe sanctions, including expulsion from the league and long-term bans for players and officials found culpable.
The investigation comes after Bida Lions FC formally petitioned the league over what it described as a highly suspicious outcome in the final round of matches at the Lafia Centre.
The Niger State club argued that the controversial result altered the final group standings, enabling its rivals (Junior Mighty Jets) to overtake Bida Lions on goal difference and secure qualification despite having earlier lost to the club during the playoffs.
Bida Lions also criticised the organisers for failing to schedule the decisive final group matches simultaneously, insisting that the practice contravened established football competition standards intended to prevent match manipulation and preserve sporting integrity.