The New Year Mega Lottery Nationwide League One (NLO) – Nigeria’s third-tier football league, has enhanced its website with a Face ID application to prevent player poaching and ensure data security.
This makes the NLO the first football body in Nigeria to adopt facial recognition technology for player authentication.
ZKYTE TECHNOLOGY LTD, an Abuja-based IT firm that developed the NLO mobile app, was responsible for integrating the Face ID feature into the website (www.nigeriannationwideleague.com).
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo, stated that the innovation would protect players’ data and eliminate multiple registrations.
“The Face ID has revolutionised authentication through facial recognition, providing intuitive and secure data using advanced camera technology that accurately maps a player’s face,” Ogunnowo said.
He explained that since clubs are responsible for registering their players and uploading pictures on the NLO portal, the system will automatically track a player’s identity.
If a club attempts to illegally register a player already on the system, the Face ID will halt the process and notify the original club via email.
The NLO Secretariat will also be alerted and will only approve the transfer if the previous club grants clearance.
According to the NLO COO, the Face ID application is a significant step in curbing player poaching, preventing identity fraud, and ensuring compliance with international best practices.
He emphasised that the system would help maintain integrity among the 300 teams in Division One and the U-19 Youth League.
With this move, the NLO aims to foster a transparent and dispute-free registration process while strengthening relationships between clubs in the league.
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