The Nationwide League One (NLO) has issued a stern warning to football clubs against the unauthorized luring of players from non-professional teams, describing the practice as "totally unacceptable" according to its rulebook.

In an official statement released on May 30, the league's governing body emphasized that player poaching constitutes a punishable offense that violates established regulations.

"The NLO Secretariat hereby wishes to draw the attention of all the clubs in the NLO on the provision of the rules dwelling on poaching players from other clubs," the statement read. "The NLO frowns at this behavior, and it's totally unacceptable based on the NLO rulebook."

The league body clarified that while FIFA stipulates that amateur players' transfers are free because they are not under contract, this provision does not permit clubs to engage in poaching or player inducement.

The NLO further warned that it "will not hesitate to sanction any erring clubs found in the web of direct or indirect player inducement without going through the right channel."

This warning comes amid growing concerns about unethical recruitment practices in Nigerian football, particularly involving younger and amateur players who may not fully understand their rights or the proper transfer procedures.

The NLO has recently taken disciplinary action against several clubs for various infractions, including match-fixing and player misconduct, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining integrity within the league.

Clubs are now expected to follow proper channels for player recruitment and transfers to avoid facing sanctions that could affect their standing in the league.