NFF to Train 10 Referees in VAR Technology This Year

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced plans to train 10 Nigerian referees in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology by the end of the year. This initiative is part of a renewed effort to strengthen officiating standards across the country, as emphasized by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau during a meeting on Wednesday, April 15.

The meeting included a delegation led by Kelechi Mejuobi, the acting president of the Nigeria Referees Association, who has taken over following the death of former president Sani Zubair. Gusau urged the association to improve the integrity of refereeing by addressing long-standing concerns regarding professional standards, implementing stricter recruitment policies, enhancing education, and fostering stronger digital competence among officials.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi highlighted the need for decisive action to tackle persistent complaints about poor officiating in domestic leagues. Mejuobi assured that the new leadership would intensify reforms and enforce strict sanctions against indiscipline and unethical conduct among referees.