Nigeria football governing body suspends 14 referees over poor officiating
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has temporarily suspended fourteen (14) referees over poor officiating in the ongoing 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The governing body announced the partial suspension in a letter issued by the Referees Development Committee/Unit of the NFF on Monday, November 6th to the Management of the NPFL, informing the league body about the suspension.
“We’re obliged to step down the specifically affected match officials in the line of decision in such instant cases until when the appropriate technical evaluation of such decisions are determined to be either right or wrong.” The letter said.
The affected matches and officials include:
i. Niger Tornadoes vs Rivers United (Matchday 2) – Referee Bawa Buhari (GM)
ii. Niger Tornadoes vs Bayelsa United (Matchday 4) – Referee Chukwuka Jahlove (AN) and Assistant Referee Akinwale Tomiwa (OY)
iii. Sporting Lagos vs Niger Tornadoes (Matchday 5) – AR II: Zachariah Nde (DT)
iv. Gombe United vs Plateau United (Matchday 5) – Referee Saeed Abdulaziz (KT) and Assistant Referee Jimmy Aimugbonrie (ED)
v. Kwara United vs Sporting Lagos (Matchday 6) – Referee Brown Ebenezer (AB) and Assistant Referee Atuwho Morrison (DT)
vi. Sunshine Stars vs Abia Warriors (Matchday 6) – All four officials
vii. Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars (Matchday 7) – Referee Imamu Maliki U. (KN) and Assistant Referee Sunday Azi (PL)
“Further more, the committee would very much appreciate if the full video of these matches are provided to the committee for proper evaluation of decisions and performances of these officials.” Concluded the letter.
