THIRTY Nigerian referees were today decorated with FIFA badges, with the Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, calling on them 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,” Gusau said.
“We intend to increase this coverage to thirty stations by the end of the season, ensuring that your officiating will be visible worldwide.”
Gusau 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,” he warned.
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,” he said.
Gusau highlighted the importance of proper officiating for the league’s economic prospects, with consistently poor performances most likely to deter sponsors.
He added: “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, 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,” Gusau said.
Among the 30 match officials who received badges, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees, while eleven are centre referees.
Officiating by Nigerian referees has been rated lowly for years, with too many cases of bias and controversy marring matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria National League (NNL) and other competitions.
As a result, Nigerian referees are often left out of major international competitions, like the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
