The Nigeria Professional Football League regular season for 2018/19 came to an end on 26 May 2019.
With a total of 22 matches played in the regular season, during this period the match officials under the banner of Nigeria referees association were only paid from matchday 1 to matchday 15, with the remaining 7 matches indemnities yet to paid till date
It can be said that refereeing in Nigeria is still seen by those in authority as a hobby rather than a profession, which required the individual joining as having a trade outside the refereeing profession, it may be the reason why those in the NRA careless of its members’ indemnities.
It’s also on record that match officials for the Aiteo cup for last season are yet to be paid from the round of 32 matches to the semi-final games, while those that officiate in the final game and also the league playoff games tagged super 6 have been paid their indemnities respectfully.
The new season is proposed to kick off on 22 September 2019 , and match officials indemnities for part of last season are yet to be paid for, even though all labourers are entitled to their wages for job done.
Will the NRA allow it’s men to go on and participate in the new season without the necessary authority settling last season indemnities of match officials, only time will tell.
