A total of thirty Nigerian referees were on Monday decorated with FIFA badges in Abuja, as President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their duties.
Addressing the referees, Gusau emphasised that the increasing live broadcast of league matches leaves no room for misconduct, noting that officiating decisions will now be subject to national and global scrutiny.
“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 aim to expand this coverage to thirty stations before the end of the season. This means your officiating will be visible to audiences across the world,” he said.
The NFF President stressed that there would be zero tolerance for unethical conduct and directed the appropriate committee to withdraw the FIFA badges of any referee found wanting in performance or discipline.
“There is no hiding place anymore. With live television coverage, any referee who conducts himself or herself improperly will have the badge withdrawn without exception. We must approach this responsibility with utmost seriousness,” Gusau stated.
He further warned that any complaints concerning a referee’s conduct must be addressed immediately after the match, with the official required to submit his or her badge and uniform pending disciplinary review. He made it clear that such decisions would be final.
“Do not assume that anyone will intercede on your behalf. If you misbehave, you should be prepared to relinquish your uniform, as you will no longer remain part of this refereeing community. This is a firm decision, and we will enforce it strictly,” he added.
Gusau also underscored the link between credible officiating and the league’s commercial growth, noting that persistent poor officiating could discourage potential sponsors.
“Our objective is to continuously improve the welfare of the league. However, poor officiating can drive away prospective sponsors. We have secured a broadcast partnership that will enhance the league’s visibility nationwide through live telecasts, provided states have television stations capable of airing the matches,” he explained.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON, expressed confidence in the competence of Nigerian referees, drawing from his experience as a CAF and FIFA Match Commissioner. He encouraged the officials to strive for excellence at all times.
“There have been concerns about our referees not officiating international matches. I want to affirm that our referees are capable. Having been involved in football since 1980 and serving as both a CAF and FIFA Match Commissioner, I can clearly distinguish between deliberate misconduct and genuine human error,” Sanusi said.
Of the 30 referees decorated, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees, and eleven are referees.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included Alhaji Babagana Kalli, NFF Executive Board Member; NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, Barr. Paul Edeh; Chairman of the Kogi State Football Association, Mr. Hassan Wada; and Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Rabiu Gusau.
