The parents of 17-year-old striker Seiyefa Jackson have issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Rivers United, which claimed that their son “absconded” from the club.
Peter Perebi and GodsPower Tamunogomabo, Jackson’s parents, have categorically dismissed the club’s assertions as false and misleading.
In a recent statement, Rivers United FC alleged that Jackson, a player from its Feeders team, initially reported being unwell. However, after medical evaluations found no evidence of illness, the club claims he ceased communication and went into hiding.
Further investigations by the club revealed that Jackson had joined Ojodu City FC, an amateur academy team, without securing proper clearance. Rivers United FC contends that this move violates existing contractual obligations.
Parents challenge contractual validity
Jackson’s parents firmly dispute the club’s allegations, asserting that their son was never under contract with Rivers United FC and was not legally bound to the club.
Additionally, they expressed concerns over the club’s decision to promote Jackson to the senior team without their consent.
Given that Jackson is a minor, they argue that such a move violates child protection regulations, as any registration with a club requires parental or guardian approval, which Rivers United FC failed to obtain.
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The parents emphasized that they formally ended their son’s association with Rivers United FC in a letter sent on February 10, 2025, followed by a reaffirmation on March 11, 2025.
Despite these communications, they claim the club failed to acknowledge their notices and continued to make defamatory statements.
“The claim that our son absconded is completely untrue,” they stated. “He was never contractually obligated to Rivers United FC, and his departure was a legally sanctioned decision to terminate any unauthorized registration.”
Seiyefa Jackson’s parents respond to Rivers United’s claims that their son has gone AWOL pic.twitter.com/QCmUHMAdee
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Jackson’s parents are demanding a formal retraction from Rivers United FC, urging the club to publicly acknowledge their termination notices and cease making defamatory claims.
“Seiyefa Jackson is a promising young footballer, and we will not allow his career to be tarnished by false accusations,” they stated. “We expect Rivers United FC to act with integrity and correct this misrepresentation immediately.”
Rivers United reports case to NFF and NPFL
In response, Rivers United FC’s Media Director, Charles Mayuku, confirmed that the club has escalated the matter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for further intervention.
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The club also raised concerns about the increasing number of players allegedly disregarding contractual obligations and transferring without proper authorisation.
“Rivers United FC is alarmed by the rising trend of players violating contractual agreements and leaving clubs without due process,” the club’s statement read. “We appreciate the swift attention of the relevant authorities and anticipate a resolution in accordance with football regulations.”
Jackson made his senior debut for Rivers United on May 26, 2024, during an NPFL fixture against Sporting Lagos FC. He delivered an impressive performance, scoring in the 86th minute to secure a 4-1 victory for his team.
