NFF boss cracks down on referees as 30 receive FIFA badges
Thirty Nigerian referees were officially decorated with FIFA badges in Abuja on Monday, but the ceremony quickly turned into a stern warning session as Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, charged the officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity in the era of live television broadcasts.
Gusau reminded the referees that their performances would now be under intense global scrutiny, revealing that domestic league matches are already attracting widespread live coverage.
“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 made it clear that the federation would not tolerate misconduct, stressing that any referee found wanting would immediately lose their FIFA recognition.
“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 boss further instructed that referees facing complaints must surrender their badges and uniforms immediately after such incidents, noting that disciplinary measures would be decisive and non negotiable.
“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 also linked quality officiating to the league’s commercial future, warning that poor refereeing could discourage potential sponsors, despite new broadcast partnerships aimed at boosting visibility nationwide.
“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,” he added.
Speaking at the event, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in the referees’ competence and urged them to rise to international standards.
“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.” Of the 30 newly badged officials, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees, and eleven are referees.
Top football administrators present at the ceremony included NFF Executive Board Member Alhaji Babagana Kalli, Technical Director Coach Augustine Eguavoen, Benue FA Chairman Barrister Paul Edeh, Kogi FA Chairman Mr Hassan Wada, and Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Rabiu Gusau.
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