NFF VAR training referees plan announced as Ibrahim Gusau pledges support to improve officiating and professionalism in Nigeria

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has announced plans to train 10 Nigerian referees in Video Assistant Referee technology to improve officiating standards.

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The initiative was disclosed on Wednesday when Gusau received the new executive of the Nigeria Referees Association at the federation’s secretariat in Abuja.

The delegation, led by acting president Kelechi Mejuobi, visited the federation following the death of former association president Sani Zubair.

Gusau said the federation remains committed to modernising refereeing in Nigeria, stressing that adopting VAR technology is critical to enhancing match accuracy and credibility.

He also urged the association to address systemic challenges within the profession, including age limits, computer literacy, and academic qualifications.

According to him, early recruitment is key to developing world-class referees, suggesting that talent identification should begin at junior secondary school level.

The VAR training referees plan forms part of a broader reform effort aimed at sanitising officiating and restoring confidence in domestic competitions.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi emphasised the need for discipline, noting that some referees possess the capacity to officiate at global tournaments but are hindered by external influence.

Mejuobi assured the federation that the new leadership would enforce stricter standards, warning that unethical conduct would attract firm sanctions.

The meeting also featured tributes to the late Sani Zubair, who was described as a dedicated figure in Nigerian football.

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The federation’s renewed focus on technology and professionalism signals a decisive step towards aligning Nigeria’s refereeing system with global best practices.