The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Refereeing Development Committee, has issued a strong directive to all referees officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and the President Federation Cup. In an internal memo dated May 9, 2025, the NFF emphasized the critical nature of the current stage of the leagues, where heightened pressure from teams and agents seeking favourable officiating may arise.
The memo stressed the need for referees to maintain strict adherence to the Laws of the Game, ensuring fairness and integrity in every match. The NFF warned that any referee found guilty of bias or misconduct would face severe consequences, including a minimum ten-year ban from football activities. Additionally, cases of corruption or match-fixing may be referred to the Department of State Security (DSS) for criminal investigation and prosecution, underlining the federation’s commitment to clean and fair football.
To enhance monitoring, independent observers from the NFF President’s office will be deployed across match venues to document any irregularities. Mohammed Ameenu, Secretary of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee, declared, “This is a clear signal that we are committed to cleaning up the game.”
Editorial
The NFF’s stern warning to referees is a welcome move in a league where the integrity of officiating has often been questioned. As the NWFL Premiership and NPFL reach their most decisive phases, maintaining the sanctity of the game is crucial not just for competition, but for restoring fans’ trust. A ten-year ban for corrupt referees sends a clear message the days of manipulated results and compromised officiating are over.
By involving the Department of State Security (DSS) in potential criminal investigations, the NFF is proving it is willing to go beyond mere suspensions. This is accountability at its finest—where football governance meets legal consequences. For Nigerian football, this could be the dawn of a new era where fair play is not just an expectation but a guaranteed standard.
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The question now is: will this directive be enforced consistently, or is it another fleeting promise? Nigerian football fans are watching.
Did You Know?
- The NFF previously suspended 15 referees in 2022 for misconduct during NPFL matches, reflecting its ongoing battle against corruption.
- Nigeria is the first African country to officially involve a security agency like the DSS in football-related corruption cases.
- The NWFL Premiership is considered one of the strongest women’s leagues in Africa, contributing significantly to the Super Falcons’ talent pool.
- In 2018, four Nigerian referees were banned by FIFA for their involvement in match-fixing during the World Cup qualifiers.
- The NPFL was ranked as Africa’s best football league in 2015, largely due to improvements in officiating and club management.
