NFF Suspends Imo Referee Due to Unsatisfactory Officiating in NWFL

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria Football Federation has suspended Umeh Kingsley Chidiebere from the Imo State Referees Council due to his inadequate officiating during an NWFL match.

Chidiebere served as the center referee in the NWFL game between Ibom Angels FC and Naija Ratels, and the NFF Refereeing Development Committee has decided to suspend him from all league and other matches for his detrimental impact on the game’s outcome.

This information was shared in a statement by Mohammed Ameenu, Chairman of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee.

“Your decisions have significantly affected not only the result of the match between Ibom Angels FC and Naija Ratels FC, which took place in Uyo on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, but also included the awarding of an unjustified penalty that contradicts the Laws of the Game.

“Your conduct has not only harmed the match’s outcome but has also tarnished the reputation of the sport. Consequently, I am instructed to inform you that you are suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect from all league and other matches.”

The 2024/25 NWFL Premiership season is in its 11th matchday with three more games to conclude the regular season.

Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, and Bayelsa Queens already qualified for the NWFL Premiership Super Six Playoffs with three more spots to complete teams for the title deciding tournament.