Thirty Nigerian Referees Awarded FIFA Badges

Thirty Nigerian referees have earned FIFA badges, a recognition that includes four futsal referees and four beach soccer referees, as well as eleven assistant referees and eleven main referees. This announcement was made during a Nigerian league match that was broadcast live on television, with the aim of reaching thirty stations by the end of the season to enhance global visibility for officiating.

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau highlighted the need for discipline among referees, stating that any misconduct during live matches would lead to immediate revocation of their badges. He instructed the committee to act on complaints about referees' performance and emphasized that poor officiating could deter sponsorship opportunities and negatively impact the league's welfare.

The NFF is also focused on improving broadcast infrastructure to support a new television deal that would expand national coverage. The event was attended by NFF executive board member Alhaji Babagana Kalli and technical director Augustin Eguavoen.