NFF President Gusau Reaffirms Commitment to Refereeing Reforms in Nigeria
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has reiterated the federation’s full support for reforms aimed at improving refereeing standards in the country.
Speaking at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Gusau pledged backing for the new executive team of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) as they seek to sanitize the vocation following the recent passing of Hon. Sani Zubair, former Head of the NFF Refereeing Unit and NRA President.
Gusau emphasized the need for stricter recruitment criteria, including age limits, computer literacy, and academic qualifications.
He argued that recruiting referees above the age of 14 would hinder their progression to elite levels, including FIFA certification.
‘These days, referees must file detailed reports. How will any computer illiterate cope? The NFF is ready to provide support, but this must be passed as a resolution by the referees’ congress,’ he said.
The NFF President, who also heads WAFU Zone B, announced plans to train at least 10 Nigerian referees on the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology before the end of the year. He paid tribute to the late Zubair, describing him as a man of integrity who served Nigerian football with distinction.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (MON), also challenged the NRA executives to tackle recurring poor officiating in the domestic league.
‘We have referees capable of performing at the highest level, even at the FIFA World Cup, but they are often influenced to the detriment of their careers,’ Sanusi noted.
Acting NRA President, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, assured that the new leadership would enforce discipline and impose stiff sanctions against unethical conduct.
The meeting was attended by former NRA President Alhaji Ahmed Maude, NRA vice presidents Eng. Emmanuel Imiere and Alhaji Aminu Umar Fagge, Alhaji Aminu Mammaga (Chairman of Chairmen), Deputy Secretary General Col. N. C. Achikasim, FCT referees council officials Abraham Zakowi and Victor Ijeremen, as well as zonal coordinators Nasiru Ibrahim and Tasiu Adamu.
PHOTO 1: Gusau addressing the visiting NRA executives on Wednesday.
