Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has commended the rising standards of officiating in the league, boldly declaring Nigerian referees as “among the best in the world.”
Elegbeleye made the assertion during an interactive media session in which he reviewed the ongoing 2024/25 NPFL season. He attributed the league’s growing credibility to improved officiating, highlighting its positive impact on the reputation of Nigerian referees on the international stage.
> “I’ve travelled around the world and witnessed some shocking officiating decisions—something you hardly see in the NPFL. That’s why I confidently say our referees are among the best globally,” he said.
The NPFL boss cited recent examples of Nigerian referees gaining recognition, including participation in the U-20 Championship in Egypt and shortlisting for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as clear signs of the league’s progress.
> “These milestones show that our referees are getting it right. The improvement is visible, and the world is beginning to take note,” Elegbeleye added.
While celebrating the strides made, Elegbeleye acknowledged that officiating in the league is still a work in progress. He called for greater collaboration among stakeholders to sustain the momentum.
> “There’s still room for improvement, but we’re growing. We also count on the media to help us highlight any irregularities and keep the league accountable,” he said.
His comments come at a time when the NPFL has been pushing for reforms to boost its image and integrity, with officiating quality being a core focus. Elegbeleye’s remarks are likely to spark renewed conversation about the league’s development and the role of officiating in restoring public trust in Nigerian football.
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