Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, have been disqualified from the 2025 President Federation Cup despite securing a walkover victory against Zamfara United in their Round of 64 fixture on Wednesday at the Area 3 Stadium, Abuja.
The Oluyole Warriors were awarded a walkover after Zamfara United, a second-tier league side, failed to show up for the game.
However, controversy erupted when it was discovered that 3SC had listed five ineligible players for the fixture.
Why 3SC Were Kicked Out
In a letter signed by the Director for Competition, Ruth David, on behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, it was confirmed that five players who were not registered with the NFF for this year’s edition of the tournament were fielded in the match against Zamfara United.
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The letter read:
“It has come to our attention that your club fielded five [5] ineligible players who are not registered with the NFF for this edition of the competition.”
These players include:
- Samuel Okon (Jersey No 21)
- Sodiq Ibrahim (Jersey No 27)
- Ephraim Nwachukwu (Jersey No 20)
- Nonso Nzediegwu (Jersey No 23)
- Ukeme Williams (Jersey No 5)
Shooting stars players walking over Zamfara United in federation cup round 64. (Photo Credit X)
By implication, the licenses used by these players were forged, leading to 3SC’s outright expulsion from the tournament.
3SC’s Response to the expulsion
Both the Oyo State Football Association and Shooting Stars SC have been formally notified of the development.
“It’s unfortunate. We had walked over Zamfara United, only to be informed later in the day that we’ve been disqualified because we listed five unregistered players on the match form,” a 3SC official confirmed.
“They (NFF) have officially notified us and the (Oyo) State FA in writing. Now, we have to focus on the NPFL and push for a continental ticket by finishing among the top three,” the official added
Round of 32 Fixtures Announced
Meanwhile, the Oriental Derby clash between Rangers and Heartland has been marked as the standout fixture in the 2025 President Federation Cup Round of 32.
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Rangers defeated Kano Pillars by a lone goal to qualify for the next stage, while Heartland beat CP Striker 2-0 in the Round of 64. Other key fixtures include Enyimba vs El-Kanemi Warriors and Sunshine Stars vs Plateau United. Former champions Bendel Insurance will face Adamawa United.
Full Round of 32 Fixtures:
- Heartland FC vs Rangers Int’l
- Enyimba FC vs El-Kanemi Warriors
- Bayelsa United vs FC Basira
- Lobi Stars vs Solution FC
- Sunshine Stars vs Plateau United
- Beyond Limits vs Rivers United
- Danburan FC vs Inter Lagos
- Kwara United vs Gombe United
- Ikorodu City vs Crown FC
- Wikki Tourists vs Rovers FC
- Osun United vs E World FC
- Nasarawa United vs Ijele FC/Lautau United
- Bendel Insurance vs Adamawa United
- Katsina United vs Yobe Desert Stars/Abakaliki FC
Matches for the Round of 32 will take place next month across all designated centers.
