Nigeria Premier Football League chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye has lauded domestic referees, praising their standards as ranking among the world’s best ahead of the 2024–25 season. Speaking at the league’s AGM, Elegbeleye announced the rollout of communication devices and VAR training to bolster officiating quality.
He highlighted that the NPFL continues to improve, with VAR introduced and referees equipped with in‑ear communication gadgets in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation and international partners. “We know that the NPFL still has room for improvement,” he remarked, noting the April May AGM session unveiled these innovations.
Elegbeleye also underlined the increased welfare of referees, including boosted match fees and better travel provisions steps credited for improving officials’ morale and performance. He emphasised a zero‑tolerance approach, citing the removal of underperforming referees and disciplinary sanctions for clubs that threaten officials’ safety.
NPFL COO Davidson Owumi corroborated this progress, stating over 85% of officiating decisions this season were correct. He stressed the need for modern tech like VAR to eliminate errors, praising the league’s partnership with the NFF and development initiatives.
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Editorial
We believe the NPFL is entering a transformative era for officiating. The introduction of communication gadgets and VAR training reflects a genuine push for excellence. It’s a statement of intent referees deserve the tools to perform at global standards.
We see the improved welfare packages as more than fair pay it’s acknowledgment of referees’ pivotal role. Their boosted earnings and security provisions are moral fuel. When officials are supported, the match quality follows.
We also welcome the firm stance on accountability. With underperformers removed and clubs punished for crowd infractions, the league is sending a message: standards matter. That culture of discipline benefits every stakeholder.
Owumi’s figures an 85% accuracy rate should inspire pride, not complacency. It shows progress, but also highlights room for advancement. Embracing technology and training will be critical if NPFL wants to compete credibly on the continental stage.
Our confidence is growing. When referees, administrators and clubs align behind professionalism, the NPFL can ascend. We remain convinced this moment marks the beginning of a golden age in Nigerian football officiating.
Did You Know?
- Thirty Nigerian referees across men’s, women’s, futsal and beach soccer passed the 2025 FIFA fitness test, earning international badges.
- NPFL referees had their fees increased by 50%, and travel allowances by 40%, pre‑season to curb corruption.
- Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi noted only about 15 errors occurred across 185 matches last season an officiating accuracy rate of over 85%.
- Former referee Faith Irabor, Nigeria’s first female FIFA-listed match official, now chairs the NFF Referees Committee.
- Nigerian referee Patience Madu Ndidi was the first from her country to use VAR in a Women’s AFCON match in 2022.
