NFF President Gusau Urges Integrity as 30 Nigerian Referees Receive FIFA Badges
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, has charged Nigerian referees to uphold the highest standards of integrity as thirty officials were decorated with FIFA badges in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gusau emphasized that with increased television coverage of domestic league matches, referees must be prepared for greater scrutiny.
‘Our league matches are now being televised. For instance, the game between Shooting Stars and Warri Wolves was broadcast live on approximately eleven television stations. We intend to increase this coverage to thirty stations by the end of the season, ensuring that your officiating will be visible worldwide,’ he said.
The NFF President warned that misconduct would not be tolerated, stressing that referees who perform poorly will have their badges withdrawn.
‘There is no hiding place now. Your matches will be televised live, and any referee who conducts himself improperly will have his or her badge revoked without exception,’ Gusau declared.
He added that complaints about referees’ conduct must be submitted immediately after matches, along with their badges and uniforms, with disciplinary decisions deemed final.
Highlighting the economic importance of fair officiating, Gusau noted that poor refereeing could discourage sponsors. He revealed that the federation had secured a broadcast deal to expand the league’s visibility nationwide, provided state television stations are able to air matches.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, MON, also addressed the referees, expressing confidence in their ability to improve.
Drawing from his experience as a CAF and FIFA match commissioner, Sanusi said: ‘Concerns have been raised about our referees not officiating international matches. I am here to affirm that our referees are competent. I can distinguish between deliberate mistakes and unintentional errors.’
Among the thirty referees honored, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees, and eleven are referees.
