The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially awarded 30 Nigerian referees the prestigious FIFA badge for 2025, granting them the authority to officiate international matches across various categories, including association football, futsal, and beach soccer.
A Landmark Moment for Nigerian Referees
In a special decoration ceremony held earlier today, key figures from the Nigerian football administration came together to celebrate this achievement. NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, represented by Alhaji Babagana Kalli, the Chairman of the Borno State Football Association, led the event. Other notable attendees included:
- Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary
- Alhaji Sani Zubairu, Head of the Referee Unit & President of the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA)
- Mohammed Ameenu, Secretary, NFF Referee Committee
- Abraham Zakowi, Member, NFF Referee Committee
This recognition marks another step forward for Nigerian football officiating, reinforcing the country’s growing influence on the international stage.
The 2025 FIFA-Badged Referees: A Breakdown
The 30 referees span different categories, ensuring Nigeria’s presence across multiple football disciplines.
Referee Categories
- 11 Referees
- 11 Assistant Referees
- 4 Futsal Referees
- 4 Beach Soccer Referees
Gender Representation
- 22 Male Referees
- 8 Female Referees
Notably, four of the 11 referees are female, while four out of the 11 assistant referees are also women. However, the futsal and beach soccer referee categories remain exclusively male.
Fresh Faces in the FIFA Rankings
While many referees on the list are returning FIFA officials, three new names have earned a spot in the 2025 batch, marking the start of their international officiating careers:
✅ Emmanuel Omada, Assistant Referee
✅ John Tope Ojeleye, Futsal Referee
✅ Noah Adejoh, Beach Soccer Referee
Breaking into the FIFA elite is no small feat, and these new referees will now have the chance to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Veterans Who Continue to Shine
On the other end of the spectrum, some referees have retained their FIFA status for nearly a decade or more, proving their consistency and excellence.
Samuel Pwadutakam (Assistant Referee) and Ndubuisi Ukah (Futsal Referee) have held FIFA accreditation since 2014, making them the longest-serving referees on this year’s list.
Dung Davou Musa (futsal referee) has been on the FIFA panel since 2015, while Salisu Basheer (referee), Tejiri Digbori (assistant referee), and General Olawale Fawole (beach soccer referee) have been internationally recognized since 2016.
Among the seasoned officials, Hannah Elaigwu (referee), Joseph Ogabor (referee), Abdulmajid Usman (assistant referee), and Olayinka Olajide (beach referee) have carried the FIFA badge since 2017 and 2018, further solidifying their reputation.
What This Means for Nigerian Football Officiating
This latest recognition highlights Nigeria’s growing stature in football officiating. The increasing number of Nigerian referees receiving FIFA accreditation reflects the country’s commitment to excellence in the sport.
Beyond their duties on the pitch, these referees will serve as role models for the next generation of Nigerian officials, inspiring others to pursue careers in officiating. Their performance on the international stage will be closely watched, as they uphold the core values of fair play, precision, and integrity.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Nigerian Referees
The NFF’s decision to honor these 30 referees is a testament to their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the game. As they step onto international pitches, the responsibility is on them to maintain world-class officiating standards and further enhance Nigeria’s football reputation on the global stage.
For aspiring referees and football fans alike, this milestone is a reminder that hard work and perseverance can open doors to international success. Here’s to a promising 2025 for Nigeria’s top referees!
