For the Nigeria Football Federation, the conversation around officiating in domestic football has reached a critical point. At its latest executive committee meeting held at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja, the federation expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it described as an alarming decline in refereeing standards across all tiers of the Nigerian game.
Reports and assessments gathered from match venues nationwide were tabled for extensive review. The findings, according to the federation, paint a worrying picture that cuts across the Nigeria Premier Football League, the Nigeria National League, the Nigeria Women Football League, and the Nationwide League One.
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The federation stated that the quality of officiating has fallen noticeably in recent months, raising significant concern over the credibility of league competitions. At a time when Nigerian football is working to strengthen its structures and global perception, the NFF believes that poor officiating has become a damaging setback.
The mood within the executive committee was described as firm and frustrated. Members noted recurring complaints from clubs, fans, and match commissioners about poor decision-making, weak game management, and controversial calls that have sparked heated debates around the country.
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Beyond competence issues, the committee also acknowledged what it called disturbing suggestions of collusion between referees and club officials. These allegations, which include claims of deliberate attempts to influence match results, have further eroded trust in the system.
In its communiqué, the executive committee was clear about its stance. It described the performance of many referees as deeply disappointing and below the standard required for the growth of the sport. The statement warned that stronger corrective measures are coming to address incompetence, unprofessional behaviour, and manipulations that undermine fair competition.
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The NFF emphasised that restoring confidence in officiating is now a top priority. To that end, the federation plans to introduce disciplinary actions, compulsory retraining, stricter monitoring procedures, and a rebuilt evaluation framework aimed at improving integrity and performance.
This renewed focus on officiating comes at a time when no Nigerian referee made the shortlist for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a situation that has further highlighted the country’s declining reputation in refereeing at the continental level.
For the NFF, the message is clear. The future of Nigerian football depends on trust in the game, and the federation is ready to make the changes needed to protect it.
