NFF To Train 10 Referees In VAR As Gusau Pushes Reforms

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has pledged to train 10 Nigerian referees in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations before the end of the year as part of renewed efforts to strengthen officiating across the country.

Gusau made the commitment on Wednesday, April 15, while receiving the new executive of the Nigeria Referees Association at the NFF secretariat in Abuja. The delegation was led by acting president Kelechi Mejuobi, who assumed leadership following the death of former president Sani Zubair.

The NFF boss urged the association to clean up the refereeing profession and address long-standing concerns about standards and professionalism. He stressed the need for stricter recruitment policies, improved education and stronger digital competence among officials.

“I am one of those who believe that no serious recruitment drive for referees should accept people above a certain age. Perhaps, we should even look at recruiting from the level of junior secondary schools. We will be wasting our time and the system’s time by recruiting persons above the age of 14. When will the referee rise to Grade 1 and then to FIFA level?” he said in a statement released by NFF Head of Communications Ademola Olajire.

Gusau also highlighted the growing importance of technology in modern officiating. “There is also the imperative of computer literacy. These days, referees must file reports running into several pages. How will any computer illiterate cope? The NFF is ready to provide support, but this is something the executive council must take to the referees’ congress and pass as a resolution,” he said.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi called for decisive action to tackle persistent complaints about poor officiating in the domestic league. He said Nigerian referees possess the ability to excel at the highest level, including the FIFA World Cup, but warned that outside influence continues to undermine careers.

Mejuobi assured the federation that the new leadership would intensify reforms and enforce strict sanctions against indiscipline and unethical conduct. Gusau also paid tribute to Zubair, describing the late official as a man who served Nigerian football with integrity and dedication.