Football Law and Ethics

In the official release of FIFA’s named match officials for the U‑20 World Cup in Chile, which runs from 27 September to 19 October 2025, there are 54 appointments in total 18 referees and 36 assistant referees but notably, no Nigerians feature among them. Despite Nigeria qualifying for the tournament alongside other African nations like […]

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation after it emerged he placed bets predicting he would receive a yellow card during Udinese’s 2–1 Serie A win over Lazio on 11 March 2024. The surge in suspicious betting activity reportedly generating over €120,000 at 8/1

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed that its pivotal Super 8 promotion playoffs will take place from 5–12 July 2025 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. The eight qualifying teams will battle for four coveted spots in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season. The eight clubs include Warri Wolves, Osun

Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, the esteemed former FIFA referee and now instructor, has issued a stark warning about the growing scourge of match‑fixing within Nigeria’s Professional Football League. He has revealed that the practice is deep‑rooted and involves referees, players, and officials in illegal activities, tarnishing the integrity of domestic football. As one of Nigeria’s top

Udinese and Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the subject of a legal investigation by the Public Prosecutor in Udine, following allegations of involvement in match fixing linked to a Serie A clash against Lazio in March 2024. Betting firm Sisal reported unusual wagers being placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card during the match

Emmanuel Attah, CEO of the Nigeria National League (NNL), has firmly rejected any idea of favouritism towards Warri Wolves as the league prepares for the Super 8 playoffs in Asaba. Ahead of the tournament scheduled for 5–8 July Attah emphasized that the NNL remains committed to impartiality, insisting that no club receives special treatment. Having

FC Obaje, the Kaduna-based academy owned by Gabriel Obaje, has escalated its battle for the rights to Flying Eagles star Simon Karshe Cletus, vowing to take the matter as far as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following a contentious ruling by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The dispute centres on Cletus’s youth development

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

Kano Pillars FC have confirmed the suspension of their technical adviser, Usman Sheriff Abdallah, for at least three weeks following inconsistent results and an altercation with fans after a goalless draw against Bayelsa United on Matchday 22. According to club chairman Ali Umar, Abdallah secured only one win in the last three league outings a dip

Nigeria’s Yemisi Akintoye has secured a spot on the official list of 18 referees selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 in Morocco. This marks a significant return after Nigerian match officials were absent from major African tournaments for nearly two decades. Akintoye, lauded