LSFA State League: Lagos FA Boss, Gafar Introduces Stiffer Sanctions To Teams For Skipping NLO 11 Playoffs
By Saheed Afolabi
The Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Hajji Gafar Liameed, has warned that any team that fails to participate in the NLO II Playoffs at the end of the 2025/2026 season will be slammed with a ₦1 million fine and face additional sanctions.
Liameed made the announcement during the LSFA State League seminar and draw conference held on Friday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
The LSFA boss expressed strong disappointment over the no-show of last season’s champions, Arubinjaga FC of Ikorodu, and Bucknor FC of Ikeja, who failed to honour their NLO II Playoff fixtures in Ibadan, Oyo State. Their absence not only embarrassed the Lagos FA but also raised serious concerns among football stakeholders across the state.
Speaking to club representatives at the event, Liameed stated firmly that any club that failed to honor matches will be fined heavily.
“Any team that fails to honour its NLO II Playoff obligations this season will pay a sum of ₦1 million and will also be punished accordingly.”
The club officials present unanimously supported the chairman’s position, agreeing that erring clubs should be heavily fined and sanctioned to serve as a deterrent.
A total of 20 teams will compete in the 2025/2026 LSFA State League, drawn into two groups of 10 teams each, Mainland Conference and the Atlantic Conference.
The league is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 with an opening fixture between Team 360 FC and Chekas United Feeders at the FIFA Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere.
This decisive stance by the LSFA aims to ensure greater commitment from clubs and uphold the integrity and reputation of Lagos football at the national level.
