The airwaves in Ibadan have recently been blared by explosive allegations that strike at the very soul of Nigerian football. Sola Ayegbajeje, a respected Yoruba sportscaster on Prince FM 88.7, shocked listeners when he claimed that Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) was involved in match-fixing. According to him, the club intentionally threw games, specifically against Lobi Stars and Katsina United, and that its chairman, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan ‘Akoro’, offered bribes to match officials. Though Ayegbajeje has since withdrew his statement and issued a public apology, the weight of his original allegations cannot simply be washed away.
This cross fire has quickly grown beyond bruised egos and questions of media ethics. It cuts to the heart of what holds the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) together, fan trust, the verity of officiating, and the credibility of the league itself. Many observers, myself included, believe that a full-scale, transparent investigation is the only responsible path forward, not as just a reaction to sensationalism, but as a necessary step to either expose hidden rot or clear this unjustified suspicion.
Obviously, match-fixing is not a new cancer in football. From FIFA to Italy’s infamous Calciopoli scandal to refereeing manipulation in South African leagues, history has shown how unhindered the corruption virus can eat through the sport’s core. Hence, Nigeria has not been immune. Over the years, whispers of controversial referee decisions, questionable substitutions, and unexplained results have tarried. Often, these are overlooked for the sake of maintaining appearances. But at what cost? What reputation is left when suspicion becomes the default?
Now, we must ask the uncomfortable questions. What compelled a veteran journalist like Ayegbajeje to make such heavy allegations in the first place? Was he acting out of conscience? Did he receive that credible insider information? Or was he probably influenced, manipulated, or misinformed? Just as importantly, what made him backtrack so quickly, calling his own words “baseless”? Was there behind-the-scenes pressure? Was a deal struck? Or did he realise he lacked the evidence to support such weighty claims? These questions are not frivolous.They matter because they point to either a war of credibility or a genuine call for reform.
Again and again, for many loyal Shooting Stars fans, the storm has left them reeling. At a point in the season, 3SC was flying very high occupying the top two spots and considered title contenders. Then, inexplicably, their form dwindled, and they slipped way down into the middle of the league table. Supporters now find themselves asking, was it really just poor performance, or were games deliberately thrown? Could a team with that much early-season promise have ruined its own chances? Or are these suspicions just the unfortunate consequence of one man’s unverified claims?
Ayegbajeje insisted that he had insider tips, conversations overheard, knowledge of bribes paid into third-party accounts, and access to damning material. If true, he must be compelled, by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Confederation of African Football (CAF), and even the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to tender this evidence. And If he cannot produce such proof, then we must question his motive, why stake the reputation of a club, a league, and the sport itself on unproven allegations?
Already, factual inconsistencies have begun to surface. Ayegbajeje alleged that 3SC surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2–2 against Katsina United. But league records show both teams won their respective home fixtures 1–0. So where did the 2–2 scoreline come from? A slip? A fabrication? Or something more orchestrated? Even more, the damage is done. 3SC has issued a strong denial and threatened legal action. The Oyo State Football Association has summoned both Ayegbajeje and the 3SC chairman to appear before a disciplinary panel. While this is a good first step, it cannot stop there. If Nigerian football truly hopes to reclaim integrity, this cannot be treated as a local spat, it must become a national open-eye inquiry, with consequences that reflect the seriousness of the issue.
Yet again, NFF must launch a comprehensive, independent probe while CAF must be officially informed and involved. Ayegbajeje must either submit evidence or face the full weight of accountability for the claims. And should any 3SC official or referee be found culpable, they must be sanctioned, without favour or compromise. This is obviously bigger than 3SC. Bigger than one journalist or one station. It is about the soul of Nigerian football and the future.
At a time when the NPFL is clawing for international recognition, when young footballers are dreaming of overseas clubs and fans are starting to return to stadiums, a scandal like this could undo years of progress. Sponsors may step back, fans may disengage, and players and fans may lose faith in the fairness of the game. The consequences are not hypothetical, they’re quite real, and they’re already unfolding.
Football is more than just a pastime in Nigeria. It is a passion, a language, and a livelihood for Nigerians. However, it only thrives when the rules are clear and upheld. That is why this case is so important, not just for Ibadan or 3SC supporters, but for every Nigerian who wants to believe in the beautiful game. Again, this moment is not only about proving guilt or innocence. It is about setting a standard. Because sometimes, football needs more than a ball and a whistle, it needs courage, truth, and most importantly, accountability. We await the result of the investigation.
Ogungbile Emmanuel Oludotun writes for Oyo Affairs
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