The 2025 Nationwide League One (NLO) season is facing a wave of adjustments following the release of the Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) report, which declared several players across Nigeria’s third-tier football league medically ineligible to participate this season.
Notably, Offa Football Club of Kwara State is among the hardest-hit teams, with six players ruled out due to medical issues flagged during mandatory health screenings.
The PCMA, a strict requirement for all participating clubs, is aimed at safeguarding players’ health and maintaining the integrity of the competition. The assessments were conducted by club-assigned doctors and verified by league medical officers.
However, Offa United’s screenings were conducted by Doc Ayo, who confirmed that the following players did not meet the required medical standards: Ahmed Abdullahi, Fadiran Abidemi Samson, Adebayo Ibrahim, Taiye Moshood, AdisaHammed Afolayan, and Elijah Kolamiposi.
This development is a serious setback for Offa FC, a club that had high hopes for the 2025 campaign. The ineligible players were key to the club’s tactical plans and losing them just weeks before kickoff has forced a reshuffling of the squad.
Meanwhile, club officials say they are already exploring replacement options and will work closely with the affected players to ensure they receive proper care.
Offa FC is not alone in this predicament. According to the full list released by the NLO, over 40 players from clubs across 20 states failed the medical assessment.
Below is the complete list of affected players, clubs, and their examining doctors:
NLO Statement
In response to the large number of failed medicals, the NLO Secretariat issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to player welfare:
“The health and safety of our players remain paramount. This process is not punitive but preventive. Clubs must treat these outcomes seriously and ensure players get the medical attention they need. No competition is worth a life.”
Way Forward for Offa FC and Others
Offa United is expected to submit a revised squad list before the registration deadline, replacing ineligible players where applicable under league rules. Other clubs facing similar setbacks are also working to fill gaps in their line-ups and comply with regulations.
As the 2025 NLO season approaches, attention now turns to how these clubs adjust to the early hurdles and maintain momentum despite medical setbacks. The spotlight will especially remain on Offa FC and other high-profile teams affected by the PCMA fallout.
