The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Nigerian football is gaining momentum, as referees from the country recently returned from a CAF-organized course in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, equipped with enhanced knowledge of VAR operations.
Three prominent referees represented Nigeria at the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B event: retired FIFA referee and Chairman of the Kogi State Referees Council, Abel Baba, alongside active referees Joseph Ogabor and Basheer Salisu.
Read Also: Colombia 2024: Falconets Cruise To Round of 16 With 4-0 Victory Over Venezuela
The course, which took place from September 1st to 6th, 2024, aimed to strengthen the participants’ technical understanding of the VAR system, a crucial step toward its implementation in Nigeria.
Abel Baba, who attended as an instructor, is no stranger to VAR technology, having undergone training in Egypt during his active refereeing career.
His experience positions him as a key figure in Nigeria’s VAR journey, as the country looks to modernize its domestic football infrastructure.
This development aligns with the earlier announcement by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Mohamed Gusau, who revealed plans to introduce VAR in Nigeria.
The NFF has already begun purchasing communication gadgets required for VAR usage in the domestic league, showing a commitment to improving officiating standards.
Images shared by Nigeria Whistlers from the Abidjan course showcase the Nigerian trio actively participating in the sessions, signalling a promising future for the use of VAR in Nigeria.
With these advancements, the country’s referees are better equipped to handle the technicalities of modern officiating.
The implementation of VAR in Nigerian football could be on the horizon, offering greater accuracy and fairness in officiating decisions.
 technology in Nigerian football is gaining momentum, as referees from the country recently returned from a CAF-organized course in Abidjan){kind=link}