FootballSportsNFF pledges to train 10 referees in VAR operation Last updated: 16 April 2026 6:58 am By Breezynews Share 3 Min Read SHARE President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has pledged to train 10 Nigerian referees in the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology as part of efforts to support match officials in the country, The PUNCH reports.Gusau made the pledge on Wednesday while receiving the new executive team of the Nigeria Referees Association at the NFF secretariat in Abuja.Led by acting president Kelechi Mejuobi, the delegation visited the federation following the recent demise of former president Sani Zubair.During the meeting, Gusau called on the association to sanitise the refereeing profession in the country, particularly on issues relating to age limits, computer literacy and academic qualifications. He also reiterated plans to enrol 10 referees for VAR training before the end of the year.‘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?” Gusau said in a statement released by the NFF Head of Communications, Ademola Olajire.‘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’.The federation reiterated its determination to train at least 10 Nigerian referees in VAR operations before the end of the year.Gusau also commiserated with the visiting team, noting that the late Zubair served Nigerian football with integrity and dedication.NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, charged the new executive to take decisive steps to address recurring cases of poor officiating in the domestic league.‘I believe we have referees who can hold their own at the highest level, even perform at the FIFA World Cup, but they are easily influenced to the detriment of their own careers’, he said.Mejuobi assured that the new leadership would intensify efforts to sanitise refereeing in the country, adding that indiscipline and unethical conduct would attract stiff sanctions.Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X Like this:Like Loading... TAGGED:NFFRefereesVAR Share This Article Email Copy Link Print Previous Article Oborevwori decries delay in Warri stadium reconstruction Next Article Jet fuel hike: Local airlines threaten to suspend services from Monday Leave a CommentLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
