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Nigeria Football Federation Decorates 30 Referees With FIFA Badges, Ibrahim Gusau Issues Strong Integrity Warning
A total of thirty Nigerian referees were on Monday decorated with FIFA badges by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as the federation’s president, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, charged officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their officiating duties.
Speaking at the ceremony, Gusau stressed that increased television coverage of domestic matches means referees are now under greater scrutiny than ever before.
“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 misconduct would no longer be tolerated, adding that referees who perform poorly or act improperly will lose their FIFA badges without exception.
“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 declared.
The NFF President further instructed that any referee accused of misconduct must submit complaints immediately after matches, alongside their badges and uniforms, stressing that disciplinary decisions will be final.
“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.
Gusau also linked quality officiating to the league’s commercial growth, noting that poor refereeing could scare away sponsors.
“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,” he explained.
Meanwhile, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, MON, expressed confidence in Nigerian referees, urging them to always give their best.
“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.
Of the 30 referees awarded FIFA badges, four are futsal referees, four are beach soccer referees, eleven are assistant referees, and eleven are centre referees.
Dignitaries present at the event included Augustine Eguavoen, NFF Technical Director; Alhaji Babagana Kalli, NFF Executive Board Member; Barrister Paul Edeh, Chairman of the Benue State Football Association; Mr Hassan Wada, Chairman of the Kogi State Football Association; and Alhaji Rabiu Gusau, Acting Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee.
The ceremony underscored the NFF’s renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and improved standards in Nigerian football officiating.
