In a surprising turn of events, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee/Unit has issued preliminary suspensions for 14 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) referees.

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The move comes in response to concerns regarding the perceived poor performances of these match officials in several NPFL matches.

This development has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, prompting questions about the integrity of officiating in the league.

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee/Unit, in a communique addressed to the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, expressed their commitment to upholding the standards of refereeing in the league.

The letter, dated November 6, 2023, highlighted the importance of technical evaluation and the need to ensure that match officials’ decisions are just and accurate.

The matches and officials affected by these suspensions are as follows:
i. Niger Tornadoes vs Rivers United (Matchday 2) – Referee Bawa Buhari (GM)
ii. Niger Tornadoes vs Bayelsa United (Matchday 4) – Referee Chukwuka Jahlove (AN) and Assistant Referee Akinwale Tomiwa (OY)
iii. Sporting Lagos vs Niger Tornadoes (Matchday 5) – Assistant Referee II: Zachariah Nde (DT)
iv. Gombe United vs Plateau United (Matchday 5) – Referee: Saeed Abdulaziz (KT) and Assistant Referee Jimmy Aimugbonrie (ED)
v. Kwara United vs Sporting Lagos (Matchday 6) – Referee: Brown Ebenezer (AB) and Assistant Referee Atuwho Morrisson (DT)
vi. Sunshine Stars vs Abia Warriors (Matchday 6) – All four Officials
vii. Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars (Matchday 7) – Referee: Imamu Maliki U. (KN) and Assistant Referee Sunday Azi (PL).

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee/Unit has called for the submission of the full video recordings of these matches to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the officials’ decisions and performances.

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This move underscores the committee’s commitment to transparency and fairness in the league’s refereeing processes.

The decision to suspend these referees on a preliminary basis has ignited a spirited debate among football enthusiasts and stakeholders.

It raises concerns about the quality of officiating in Nigerian football and the impact of these suspensions on the integrity of the NPFL.

This development is sure to generate further discussions as the football community eagerly awaits the outcomes of the technical evaluation.

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee/Unit’s actions, while sparking controversy, are aimed at upholding the standards of the game and ensuring fair play and accuracy in officiating within the Nigerian Professional Football League.