Thirty Nigerian referees were on Monday presented with FIFA badges in Abuja, with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, urging the officials to maintain the highest level of integrity as domestic matches gain wider television coverage.
Gusau noted that the growing number of live broadcasts means referees’ performances will be closely scrutinized both locally and internationally. He cited the recently televised clash between Shooting Stars Sports Club and Warri Wolves FC, which aired on about eleven stations, adding that the federation plans to expand coverage to as many as thirty stations before the season ends.
“There is no hiding place now,” Gusau warned. “Any referee found guilty of misconduct will have his or her badge withdrawn immediately. We must treat this responsibility with utmost seriousness.”
He further instructed that any complaints regarding officiating must be submitted right after matches, stressing that disciplinary decisions will be decisive. According to him, referees who fall short of expected standards should be ready to step aside from the profession.
The NFF boss also linked quality officiating to the league’s commercial growth, explaining that poor performances could discourage potential sponsors despite the federation’s efforts to boost visibility through new broadcast partnerships.
Also speaking, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressed confidence in the referees’ competence, drawing from his experience as a match commissioner on the continental and global stage. He encouraged the officials to remain committed and consistently deliver strong performances.
Of the 30 recipients, four are futsal referees, four specialize in beach soccer, while the remaining 22 comprise 11 referees and 11 assistant referees.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony included NFF Executive Board Member Babagana Kalli, Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen, Benue FA Chairman Paul Edeh, Kogi FA Chairman Hassan Wada, and Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee Rabiu Gusau.
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