President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NAN), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, on Monday decorated 30 Nigerian referees with FIFA badges in Abuja.
Gusau urged the referees to uphold integrity, noting that most domestic league matches are now broadcast live on television across the country.
‘Our league matches are now televised. The Shooting Stars versus Warri Wolves game was aired on about eleven stations. We plan to increase coverage to thirty stations’, he said.
He warned that misconduct would no longer be tolerated, stressing that any referee found wanting would have his or her badge withdrawn without exception.
‘There is no hiding place. Matches are live on television. Any referee who misbehaves will have the badge revoked. We must take this seriously’, Gusau stated.
He directed that complaints about officiating must be submitted immediately after matches, alongside badges and uniforms, adding that disciplinary decisions would be final.
Gusau said proper officiating is vital to attract sponsors and boost the league’s economic growth, as poor performances could discourage potential investors.
He disclosed that the federation had secured a television partnership to enhance live broadcasts nationwide, subject to availability of functional state television stations.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in the referees, affirming their competence and ability to improve performance at international level.
Sanusi, a CAF and FIFA match commissioner, said he could distinguish between deliberate errors and genuine mistakes, urging officials to always give their best.
Of the 30 badge recipients, four are futsal referees, four beach soccer referees, eleven assistant referees and eleven centre referees.
Dignitaries at the event included NFF Executive Board Member, Alhaji Babagana Kalli; Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; and other football administrators.
