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 referee assessors at continental and global levels, Chukwujekwu emphasised: “Match fixing all over the world is a serious crime. If a referee is caught in match fixing, there is a ten‑year ban. Such a person should actually be told to leave the profession”. He lamented that while other countries rigorously enforce regulations, Nigeria has lagged behind, allowing illicit betting and collusion to flourish unchecked.
Chukwujekwu criticised official indifference, stating referees and players bet “and no one is bothered.” He insisted that without systemic reforms—including regulation of betting, detection systems, and consistent enforcement the domestic game cannot regain credibility.
He urged immediate action: tighter monitoring of match officials, transparent oversight, and harsh punishments for offenders. “The earlier we start checking on it, the better … so that our football will be a lot cleaner than it is now,” he concluded.
Editorial
We share Chukwujekwu’s alarm. The revelation that match‑fixing is deeply embedded in the NPFL is troubling. Our domestic league, once a beacon of local pride, now risks losing its soul to corrupt practices. We must demand better.
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We believe this isn’t just a moral failing; it’s a strategic one. Clubs, players, fans and sponsors will withdraw if confidence erodes. We need robust systems betting surveillance, regular audits, whistle‑blower protections. Nigeria must implement these without delay.
We also advocate for accountability. Anyone caught referee or player must face zero tolerance long bans, fines, legal consequences. As Chukwujekwu noted, a ten‑year ban is just the start. Such firmness is needed to deter future wrongdoing.
We urge stakeholders from NFF to club owners to rally behind this cause. It’s time for NPFL to lead the way in reform, not lag behind. Only through collective will can we cleanse our football and restore its essence. We began by acknowledging urgency we conclude by reinforcing our stance this crisis requires unyielding action and unified resolve. Without it, our game is not just threatened it is forfeited.
Did You Know?
- FIFA imposes a ten‑year ban on referees found guilty of match‑fixing under its disciplinary code.
- Chukwujekwu, nicknamed “CCC”, currently serves as an assessor and instructor at both CAF and FIFA levels.
- In other countries, algorithmic systems monitor betting to detect suspicious patterns in real time.
- Earlier in 2025, the NFF conducted FIFA Member Association courses to upgrade 80 technical instructors and young referees.
- Chukwujekwu has long advocated that clubs host preseason seminars to educate players and officials on laws and ethics.
