NFF earns praise as FIFA MA Course ends, Young Talents Programme kicks off in Abuja

By Dayo Awoniyi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has received widespread commendation following the successful conclusion of the FIFA Member Associations (MA) Technical and Physical Instructors Course, held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The week-long programme drew participation from 40 elite technical and physical instructors, blending classroom theory with hands-on training sessions to enhance the standard of officiating across the country.

President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Hon. Sani Zubairu, lauded the NFF for its continued support of referee development, stating that the federation’s backing was crucial to the success of the initiative.

“We thank God for the success of this first segment of the FIFA MA Course, and we also thank the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation for always having our backs. Without their support, we would not be able to achieve our objectives,” Zubairu said.

He also urged the participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge to improve refereeing standards within their respective zones.

Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Madam Faith Irabor, echoed similar sentiments, applauding NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) for his commitment to raising the bar in Nigerian refereeing.

“The NFF President has been gracious to us. This programme is an integral part of his pledge to change the face of refereeing in Nigeria, and you will all agree with me that he has lived up to his words, as our referees performed creditably in the just concluded NPFL season,” she stated.

The course was conducted under the guidance of FIFA Fitness Instructor Boubaker Hanachi (Tunisia) and FIFA Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed (Somalia), supported by top Nigerian instructors including Felicia Okwugba, Peter Edibe, Cecilia Ogwuche, Emmanuel Imiere, and Stella Emoji.

With the first segment concluded, attention now shifts to the Young Talents Programme, the second phase of the FIFA MA Course, which kicks off on Sunday. The programme will engage 40 young participants, focusing on identifying and developing potential referees from an early age to strengthen the future of officiating in Nigeria.

The NFF’s commitment to technical development and referee education continues to attract praise, reinforcing its broader agenda to enhance the professionalism and global standing of Nigerian football.