Port Harcourt-based football club Rivers United FC has declared player Seiyefa Jackson Absent Without Leave (AWOL) after he allegedly abandoned the club without permission.
In an official statement issued on March 16, 2025, the club revealed that Jackson, a registered player for the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season and a product of Rivers United’s Feeders team, initially claimed to be ill. However, an investigation by the club’s medical team found no evidence to support his claim. Attempts to contact the player have since been unsuccessful, as he is no longer responding to communications.
The club further disclosed that Jackson has joined Ojodu City FC, an amateur/academy team, without obtaining the necessary clearance from Rivers United. This move, the club stated, is a violation of his contractual obligations.
Rivers United has formally reported the matter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), requesting urgent intervention. The club also expressed concern over the rising trend of players abandoning their teams without authorization.
The club has urged the relevant authorities to take swift action to resolve the situation.
