Nigeria has taken a significant step toward strengthening its global football officiating presence following the decoration of 30 referees with FIFA badges by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The badge presentation ceremony, held on Monday, signals Nigeria’s renewed push to position its referees for international assignments, including major global tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at the event, NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, charged the newly decorated officials to uphold integrity, professionalism, and high performance standards, particularly as domestic league matches gain wider television coverage.
According to him, the expansion of live broadcasts across multiple stations would place referees under intense public 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 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 warned that the federation would adopt a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, directing the referees’ committee to withdraw FIFA badges from any official found guilty of poor officiating or unethical behaviour.
“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 complaints about referees’ conduct must be reported immediately after matches, stressing that disciplinary decisions would be strictly enforced.
“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 added.
The NFF boss also linked quality officiating to the commercial growth of the domestic league, cautioning that poor refereeing could discourage corporate sponsorship and broadcast investments.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in the competence of Nigerian referees, drawing from his experience as a Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA match commissioner.
“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 stated.
Breakdown of the decorated officials shows that four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, 11 are assistant referees, and 11 are centre referees.
Dignitaries present 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.(Briefing Brew)
