The Nationwide League One (NLO), the third tier of Nigerian football, has announced the release of 44 players from its registered teams ahead of the 2025 season due to underlying health issues identified during mandatory medical check-ups.
The league body made this disclosure in an official statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, emphasizing the critical importance of regular medical examinations for all players to prevent potential cases of sudden death on the field.
According to the NLO, the 44 affected players represent 31 different teams registered for the upcoming 2025 season. Offa Football Club has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of released players, with six individuals deemed unfit to participate.
Dr. Ayo, the Medical Consultant for the NLO, confirmed that these players were found to have underlying medical conditions, including systemic hypertension, which rendered them unfit for competitive football.
NLO’s Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo, reiterated that comprehensive pre-season medical assessments are a standard procedure for the league.
He stated that these 44 players would regrettably miss the 2025 season due to these health concerns, underscoring the necessity of rigorous health evaluations for all players competing in the NLO to safeguard their well-being.
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