Nigeria Leagues
NNL: NFF sacks ‘erring’ referees in Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme duel
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Two referees in charge of trending controversial second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL) match between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme.
A goal was scored by the former with the player throwing the ball with his two hands into their opponent’s net.
As a result of this, referee Zaharadeen Nasiru from Katsina State and his assistant Usman Auwalu from Bono State who were in charge of the match have been expelled from the NNL.
In a statement, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Unit confirmed that they have also been expelled from refereeing in general in the country.
The NFF refereeing unit saddled with the responsibility of promoting and sanctioning referees in line with their performance.
“In view of the serious nature of the decision taken in your week 17 match involving Jigawa Golden Stars FC and Shooting Supreme FC played in Dutse wherein your actions brought refereeing and the game into disrepute,” the memo reads.
“I am directed to notify you that you have been expelled with immediate effect from the league and refereeing generally.”
In front of the centre referee, the player of Jigawa Golden Stars jumped, and handled the ball with both hands throwing it into the back of the net.
The goal was awarded and has generated serious comments and reviews on social media and public space.
