President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, on Monday decorated 30 Nigerian referees with their FIFA badges in Abuja.
He urged the officials to uphold integrity, particularly as domestic league matches are now broadcast live across the country.
“Our league matches are now televised. The Shooting Stars versus Warri Wolves game was aired on about eleven stations. We plan to increase coverage to thirty stations,” Gusau said.
“There is no hiding place. Matches are live on television. Any referee who misbehaves will have the badge revoked. We must take this seriously.”
Zero Tolerance For Misconduct
Gusau directed that complaints about officiating be submitted immediately after matches, stressing that disciplinary decisions would be final.
He added that proper officiating is critical to attracting sponsors and strengthening the league’s economic base, warning that poor performances could discourage potential investors.
The NFF president further disclosed that the federation had secured a television partnership aimed at expanding live broadcasts nationwide, subject to the availability of functional state stations.
Confidence In Nigerian Referees
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed confidence in the officials, affirming their competence and potential to excel internationally.
A CAF and FIFA match commissioner, Sanusi, said he can distinguish between deliberate errors and genuine mistakes, urging referees to always give their best.
Breakdown Of FIFA-Badged Officials
Of the 30 recipients:
- Four are futsal referees
- Four are beach soccer referees
- Eleven are assistant referees
- Eleven are centre referees
Dignitaries at the ceremony included NFF Executive Board Member Alhaji Babagana Kalli, Technical Director Coach Augustine Eguavoen, and other football administrators.
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