Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has urged FIFA refereeing instructors visiting Nigeria to assist in elevating the standard of Nigerian referees.
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In a meeting with the instructors from Zambia, Morocco, Mozambique, and Djibouti, Gusau emphasized the importance of Nigerian referees being regularly considered for significant FIFA and CAF assignments.
Expressing his concern about referees from other nations officiating major competitions while Nigerian officials are often overlooked, Gusau called on the instructors to extend their support beyond the regular instructional periods.
He encouraged them to maintain communication with Nigerian referees, offering guidance, motivation, and valuable tips to help them become among the top referees in Africa.
With Nigerian teams frequently participating in prominent continental and global tournaments, Gusau stressed the need for Nigerian referees to be well-represented on such occasions.
He emphasized that the instructors’ role goes beyond conducting training courses, urging them to actively engage with Nigerian referees and provide ongoing mentorship and support to facilitate their growth and improvement.
In the meeting, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, highlighted Nigeria’s commendable record of consistent participation in FIFA and CAF competitions, often qualifying for major finals.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to enhancing the capacity and expertise of Nigerian referees, ensuring they become an integral part of the elite group within the beautiful game.
The NFF’s appeal to the FIFA refereeing instructors reflects their determination to develop and promote Nigerian referees on the international stage.
By leveraging the expertise and guidance of the instructors, the NFF aims to enhance the skills and competence of Nigerian referees, paving the way for their increased involvement in high-profile matches and tournaments.
With Nigeria’s strong footballing tradition and their teams’ regular appearances in prestigious competitions, the NFF’s initiative seeks to address the discrepancy between the country’s on-field achievements and the representation of Nigerian referees at the highest level.
Through this collaborative effort, Nigerian referees are poised to make significant strides and earn recognition among the top referees in African football.
