By Abdulrahman Abdulrahman Afunja
A sports lawyer, Ibrahim T. Abiola, has raised serious concerns over player documentation in the Nigerian football league, revealing that many players are only made to sign registration forms rather than legally binding contracts.
Abiola made this disclosure on Ìdán Eré Ìdárayá, a Yoruba sports programme aired on Emirate 98.5 FM, Ilorin, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
According to him, there is a clear legal difference between a player’s registration form and an employment contract, stressing that a form does not offer full protection to a player’s rights.
He explained that only players with valid contracts are legally empowered to take action against clubs in cases of unlawful release, unpaid wages, or breach of agreement.
“Where a player truly has a contract and the club releases the player or owes outstanding entitlements, such a player has the legal right to seek redress,” Abiola stated.
The sports lawyer urged players in the domestic league to ensure they sign proper contracts and fully understand their terms, while calling on clubs and league authorities to improve transparency and professionalism in player engagement.
