As the 2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Super 6 approaches, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee has made a groundbreaking announcement that could signal a new era for officiating in Nigerian women’s football.
For the 2025 prestigious Super 6 tournament, an all-women team of referees has been appointed, and notably, none of them are FIFA-badged officials. Instead, the committee has prioritized youth, ability, and proven domestic performance in NWFL over status. This courageous move reflects a strong vote of confidence in the league referees and is a significant milestone.
The referees, drawn mainly from the NWFL, include rising stars from across the country. One notable exception is Oluwatosin Omotoye, who officiates in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and brings valuable top-flight experience to the team. Omotoye is joined by two other returnees from last year’s edition in Bayelsa—Semiat Mustapha and Patience Abi Azi.
The full officiating list includes six referees and seven assistant referees, hailing from diverse footballing states such as Lagos, Enugu, Benue, Osun, and Plateau.
Referees Appointed for NWFL Super 6:
Referees:
- Oluwatosin Omotoye (Osun)
- Semiat Mustapha (Oyo)
- Kalu Dominion Chisom (Enugu)
- Peace Ogbonnaya (Anambra)
- Gbemisola Yusuf (Lagos)
- Diana Ejiro James (Plateau)
Assistant Referees:
- Bogwu Favour Chiejine (Delta)
- Tosin Sule (Osun)
- Patience Abi Azi (Plateau)
- Oliver Izuchukwu Njoku (Imo)
- Stephanie Aembafan (Benue)
- Oluwole Omowunmi Adeola (Lagos)
- Kindek Oyom Ogbein (Cross River)
The officials are expected to arrive in Ikenne, Ogun State, by May 8, 2025, two days before kickoff, to prepare for what promises to be a thrilling and high-stakes conclusion to the women’s football season.
This bold and forward-thinking step by the NFF may well serve as a template for future officiating appointments, emphasizing the importance of talent development and gender inclusivity in Nigerian football.
