A total of thirty Nigerian referees were on Monday decorated with FIFA badges, as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, called on the referees to uphold integrity in their officiating duties, especially since most matches will now be broadcast live on television.
“Our league matches are now being televised. For instance, the game between Shooting Stars and Warri Wolves was broadcast live on approximately eleven television stations. We intend to increase this coverage to thirty stations by the end of the season, ensuring that your officiating will be visible worldwide,” Gusau said.
He emphasised that there will be no concealment for misconduct and instructed the committee to withdraw badges from any referee who performs poorly during matches. “There is no hiding place now. Your matches will be televised live, and any referee who conducts himself improperly will have his or her badge revoked without exception. We must take this very seriously.”
The NFF President further warned referees that any complaints about their conduct in future matches must be submitted immediately after the game, along with their badges and uniforms, and that disciplinary action will be final. “Do not assume anyone will intercede on your behalf. If you misbehave, you should voluntarily relinquish your uniform, as you will no longer be part of this refereeing community. This is the decision we have made, and we will enforce it strictly.”
Gusau highlighted the importance of proper officiating for the league’s economic prospects, with consistently poor performances most likely to deter sponsors. “Our goal is to continually enhance the league’s welfare. However, poor officiating is capable of scaring away prospective sponsors. We have now secured a deal with a television station that will improve the league’s visibility across the country through live broadcasts, provided the states have television stations capable of airing the matches.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON expressed confidence in the referees’ capabilities to improve, citing his extensive experience as a CAF and FIFA match commissioner. He urged referees to always give their best. “Concerns have been raised about our referees not officiating international matches. I am here to affirm that our referees are competent. As a CAF and FIFA match commissioner with a history in football since 1980, I can distinguish between deliberate mistakes and unintentional errors.”
Among the 30 referees who received badges, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees, while eleven are referees. Also present at the event were Alhaji Babagana Kalli, NFF Executive Board Member; NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Benue State Football Association Chairman, Barr. Paul Edeh; Kogi State Football Association Chairman, Mr. Hassan Wada and and; Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Rabiu Gusau.