Abia Comets FC Declares Player, Israel Emmanuel AWOL, Warn Clubs Against Unauthorized Dealings

In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria National League (NNL) side Abia Comets Football Club has confirmed that their player, Israel Emmanuel, has gone absent without leave (AWOL). The club disclosed the development through a press release issued on their social media platforms on January 13, 2025.

Abia Comets Football Club Player, Emmanuel Israel once played for Vendrezzer FC of Lagos.

According to the statement signed by the club’s media officer, Emmanuel Chinedu, Israel Emmanuel was last seen on Monday, December 31, 2024. The club emphasized that Emmanuel remains their bona fide player, under a valid contract set to expire at the end of the 2024/2025 season.

The release noted that Emmanuel has been actively involved in the ongoing season, having played the first three fixtures for Abia Comets with license number “NNL/2024/25/023” and jersey number 40. The club further clarified that the player has received all due payments as of the time of his disappearance.

Abia Comets FC expressed grave concerns about the situation, revealing that they are working with security agencies to locate the missing player. They also issued a stern warning to football stakeholders, both within and outside Nigeria, against engaging in any football-related dealings with Emmanuel. The club highlighted that any such transaction would constitute double registration, which carries severe consequences and penalties under football regulations.

The club called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), other football governing bodies, and intermediaries to exercise caution and assist in ensuring the player’s safe return.

The statement concluded with a reminder of the club’s commitment to resolving the matter while urging the general public to report any information that could aid in locating the missing player.