Exciting VAR Plans: NFF Eyes Cote d’Ivoire for Equipment Importation

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has swung into action, setting wheels in motion to import Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment from Côte d’Ivoire. The move is part of a broader initiative to upgrade officiating standards across domestic competitions, according to football pundit Chukwujekwu.

President Ibrahim Musa Gusau recently confirmed that training referees in VAR has already begun, with some selected to gain experience abroad most notably in Morocco and through West African Football Union (WAFU) programmes. Gusau explained that, while the professional league does not yet possess VAR hardware, the federation is actively seeking collaboration with FIFA and other partners to ensure full implementation before his tenure ends in 2026.

In addition to VAR equipment importation, the NFF has finalised procurement of communication devices to help referees collaborate more effectively during matches. These devices, along with structured training and refresher courses, aim to polish officiating quality and bring the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in line with international standards.

Gusau emphasised the importance of taking a phased approach: prioritising qualified personnel before installing equipment. “We have to train the personnel After the training they have to go on practical training on the VAR system but when we are sure we have the personnel we will start to see how we can use VAR in our system”.

If all goes to plan, VAR could be operational in NPFL matches by the 2025–26 season, marking a major leap forward for Nigerian football.

Editorial

We welcome the NFF’s bold stride towards modernising refereeing in Nigeria. Embracing VAR will begin to close the gap between domestic competitions and global standards a vital move for enhancing credibility on the pitch. It’s heartening to see a federation acknowledge that hardware alone is not enough training must be foundational before rollout.

We believe this methodical approach training first, equipping later shows a commendable respect for integrity and precision. It signals a professional mindset, rather than a rushed installation of expensive technology. When officials are well-prepared, VAR becomes a trustworthy arbiter, not a controversial talking point.

The communication tools earmarked for referees are equally significant. Even the world’s best VAR systems flounder without real-time dialogue among officials. By improving on-field communication, the NFF is laying the groundwork for consistency and fairness that fans and players deserve.

It will be crucial, however, to ensure these investments benefit grassroots and lower-tier leagues too. Football’s strength lies in its roots enhancing officiating there will reinforce trust in the system nationwide. Furthermore, picking Côte d’Ivoire as a source suggests savvy budgeting smart buying over premium marketing.

We observe with optimism as these plans evolve into tangible progress. By cultivating expertise first and introducing VAR carefully, the NFF signals that Nigerian football is maturing. We are confident that with each trained official and each game managed with precision, the federation moves closer to its goal of sustainable officiating excellence.

Did You Know?

1. Morocco became the first African country to implement VAR in its domestic league in 2019.
2. Egypt and Zambia also adopted VAR systems before Nigeria did.
3. FIFA’s “Forward Programme” invested nearly USD 4.8 million in Nigeria’s Technical Centre in Abuja, improving infrastructure and training facilities.
4. Training via WAFU is planned to include at least 10 Nigerian referees to enhance regional refereeing standards.
5. VAR technology debuted in Europe’s top leagues in 2016 and was used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.