NFF Decorates 30 FIFA-Badged Referees Amid Integrity Charge, Global Relevance Concerns

In a move seen as both symbolic and corrective, the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday decorated 30 Nigerian referees with FIFA badges, as its President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, delivered a stern warning on integrity and performance in the face of growing scrutiny over domestic officiating and the declining international presence of Nigerian match officials.

The ceremony comes against a backdrop of concerns about the waning influence of Nigerian referees at continental and global championships, as well as persistent complaints about questionable officiating in the domestic leagues — issues that have affected confidence in the system.

Addressing the newly badged officials, Gusau underscored that increased television coverage of league matches would eliminate any room for misconduct.

“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,” Gusau said.

He warned that live broadcasts would expose any wrongdoing, stressing that the NFF would not hesitate to withdraw FIFA badges from referees found wanting.

“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. We must take this very seriously,” he stated.

In a further show of zero tolerance, the NFF President directed that any referee accused of misconduct must immediately surrender his or her badge and uniform pending disciplinary review, with no expectation of intervention.

“Do not assume anyone will intercede on your behalf. If you misbehave, you should voluntarily relinquish your uniform, as you will no longer be part of this refereeing community. This is the decision we have made, and we will enforce it strictly,” Gusau added.

Observers say the tough posture reflects the Federation’s recognition that inconsistent officiating has dented the credibility of Nigeria’s domestic competitions and contributed to the limited appointment of Nigerian referees to high-profile fixtures under the Confederation of African Football and FIFA in recent years.

Gusau linked improved officiating standards directly to the league’s commercial prospects, warning that sponsors would be discouraged by controversial decisions and lack of professionalism.

“Our goal is to continually enhance the league’s welfare. However, poor officiating is capable of scaring away prospective sponsors. We have now secured a deal with a television station that will improve the league’s visibility across the country through live broadcasts, provided the states have television stations capable of airing the matches,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, MON, expressed confidence in the technical competence of Nigerian referees, drawing from his experience as a CAF and FIFA match commissioner.

“Concerns have been raised about our referees not officiating international matches. I am here to affirm that our referees are competent. As a CAF and FIFA match commissioner with a history in football since 1980, I can distinguish between deliberate mistakes and unintentional errors,” Sanusi said, urging officials to consistently give their best.

Of the 30 referees decorated, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees and eleven are referees.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included NFF Executive Board Member Babagana Kalli; NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Benue State FA Chairman Paul Edeh; Kogi State FA Chairman Hassan Wada; and Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Rabiu Gusau.

For Nigerian refereeing, the message was unmistakable: global badges now come with global visibility — and accountability.

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