Match Officials for 2024/2025 NNL urged to uphold fairness and high standards

By Wale Mustapha

The officials selected to officiate the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League (NNL) season have been urged to uphold the highest standards of fairness and professionalism throughout the competition.

Faith Irabor, Chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees and Development Committee, made the call in Abuja on Friday, stressing the importance of consistent and impartial officiating.

The new NNL season is set to kick off on Saturday with a highly anticipated match between Abakaliki FC and Madiba FC at the Pa-Ngele Oruta Township Stadium.

Irabor expressed confidence in the officials chosen for the season’s opening fixture, stating, “We are proud of these referees, and we expect nothing less than the best from them.

“They understand the importance of their roles and the consequences of poor performances.”

The match will be officiated by Osas Alohan from Edo State, with Festus German (First Assistant) from Delta State, Favour Bogwu (Second Assistant) also from Delta State, and Sebastine Onwe (Fourth Official) from Ebonyi State.

Irabor emphasized that the integrity of the competition depends heavily on the officials’ ability to set a positive example for the season ahead.