The club, in a statement dated July 25, 2026, said the petition, which was reportedly circulated on social media and addressed to the NFF, contained factual inaccuracies, particularly the allegation of a conflict of interest involving the ownership of Right2Win FC and Abia Comets.
Right2Win FC categorically rejected the allegation, stating that “the claim that the owner/proprietor of Right2Win FC is the Sporting Director of Abia Comets is false.” The club maintained that its ownership and management structure was completely separate from that of Abia Comets FC and Enyimba International FC.
“No official of Right2Win FC holds any management or administrative position in Abia Comets or Enyimba International FC,” the club stated, arguing that there was therefore no basis for claims of a conflict of interest regarding the use of the Enyimba International Stadium.
On the choice of Aba as the host city, Right2Win FC said the decision was made by the NLO Secretariat based on objective considerations, including the availability of a CAF-approved stadium, security, accommodation, medical facilities and logistics.
The club further argued that the four participating teams—Ekomsy FC, Cynosure FC, Jaguar FC and Right2Win FC—would compete in a round-robin format under neutral officials appointed by the NFF. “There is no structural advantage, as all teams compete under identical conditions. Promotion will be determined strictly by performance on the pitch,” it said.
Defending the use of the Enyimba International Stadium, the club said the facility met the required NFF/NLO standards for hosting the promotional play-offs, stressing that match operations, security and officiating would remain under the supervision of the NLO Secretariat and NFF-appointed match officials.
Right2Win FC also cited its previous experiences in NLO competition, noting that it participated in the 2022/2023 NLO season at the Anambra centre, where Anambra-based teams also competed, and the 2024/2025 season at the Imo centre alongside teams from the state.
The club argued that “to disqualify a certified venue based on speculation would undermine development of football infrastructure in the South-East,” while insisting that the integrity of the competition could be protected through effective monitoring and independent officiating.
Right2Win FC also questioned the sporting credentials of the petitioners, alleging that they had in recent seasons relied on “boardroom decisions and points awarded off the pitch” to reach promotional stages. The club said it earned its place in the play-offs through competitive results during the regular season and expressed confidence in its ability to compete on merit.
The club further maintained that there was no NFF or NLO rule requiring promotional play-offs to be staged outside the state of a participating club, citing previous zonal competitions hosted in locations such as Enugu, Awka and Umuahia where participating clubs were based.
“Right2Win FC is fully committed to the principles of fair play and transparency,” Right2Win FC stated, adding that it welcomed the deployment of additional NFF monitoring officers and independent match commissioners to ensure that the matches were conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
The club consequently called on the NFF to dismiss the petition, allow the play-offs to proceed as scheduled in Aba and ensure strict supervision of all matches involving Ekomsy FC, Cynosure FC, Jaguar FC and Right2Win FC.
Right2Win FC said it remained committed to earning promotion on merit and upholding the integrity of Nigerian football, while expressing confidence that the NFF leadership would base its decision on facts and existing regulations.
