Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has announced plans to train 10 Nigerian referees in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology before the end of the year, signaling a renewed push to improve the quality of officiating in the country.
Gusau made this known on Wednesday, April 15, during a meeting with the newly appointed leadership of the Nigeria Referees Association at the NFF secretariat in Abuja.
The delegation was headed by acting president Kelechi Mejuobi, who recently stepped into the role following the passing of former president Sani Zubair.
During the meeting, Gusau challenged the association to raise standards within the refereeing profession by tackling persistent issues around professionalism and performance.
Recruitment Strategies
He emphasised the need for more deliberate recruitment strategies, enhanced training programs, and stronger digital skills among referees.
He suggested that the pathway to producing elite referees should begin early, proposing that recruitment efforts focus on younger individuals.
According to him, bringing in candidates at a later age limits their chances of progressing to top levels such as Grade 1 or FIFA accreditation.
Gusau also pointed out that modern officiating increasingly relies on technology, making computer literacy essential.
He noted that referees are now expected to produce detailed digital reports, adding that those without basic tech skills could struggle to meet current demands.
Call For Reforms
While assuring support from the NFF, he urged the association’s leadership to formalise such requirements through its congress.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi echoed the call for reform, stressing the urgency of addressing ongoing complaints about officiating in the domestic league.
He maintained that Nigerian referees have the potential to perform on global stages, including the FIFA World Cup, but warned that external interference continues to hinder their growth.
In response, Mejuobi pledged that the new executive would pursue meaningful reforms, enforce discipline, and uphold ethical standards within the profession.
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Gusau also took a moment to honor the late Sani Zubair, describing him as a dedicated figure who served Nigerian football with integrity and commitment.
