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Thirty Nigerian referees were on Monday decorated with FIFA badges, with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, issuing a stern warning on integrity and professionalism in the wake of expanded live television coverage of domestic matches.
Speaking at the decoration ceremony, Gusau stressed that increased broadcast exposure would place referees under greater public scrutiny, urging them to uphold the highest standards in their officiating duties.
“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.
The NFF President declared that there would be zero tolerance for misconduct, directing the referees’ committee to withdraw FIFA badges from any official found wanting in performance or conduct.
“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.
Gusau further instructed that any complaints regarding referees’ conduct must be reported immediately after matches, accompanied by the return of badges and uniforms, adding that disciplinary decisions would 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 stated.
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He also linked the quality of officiating to the league’s commercial growth, cautioning that poor performances could deter potential 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,” Gusau added.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON, expressed confidence in the referees’ competence, drawing from his experience as a CAF and FIFA match commissioner. He urged them to consistently give their best in order to secure international opportunities.
“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,” Sanusi said.
Of the 30 referees decorated, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, 11 are assistant referees, and 11 are centre referees.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included NFF Executive Board Member, Alhaji Babagana Kalli; NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Benue State FA Chairman, Barr. Paul Edeh; Kogi State FA Chairman, Mr Hassan Wada; and Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Rabiu Gusau.
