The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in collaboration with FIFA, has concluded the 2025 edition of the FIFA Member Associations (MA) Referee Course in Abuja, with renewed optimism surrounding the future of Nigerian refereeing.
The intensive two-week programme, held from June 9 to 19, featured both a technical and physical training course for instructors and a focused Young Talents programme.
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It brought together top FIFA experts and Nigeria’s most promising referees and educators.
Leading the technical instruction for the young referees, FIFA Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed, expressed deep admiration for the quality and potential of the Nigerian participants.
“I am very satisfied with the group that we worked with over the past one week – the young talents,” said Ahmed. “Their level of assimilation is very high, and I see them going places in the work of refereeing.
Nigeria is known for qualifying for major tournaments and winning trophies, but it would also be great to see Nigerian referees officiate not only at AFCON but also at the FIFA World Cup. Having worked with these young ones, I can assure you that the future of Nigerian refereeing is in very good hands.”
NFF President and WAFU B President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), commended the continuous growth of the country’s referee development programme, highlighting the federation’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
“I am happy that now, we have a total of 86 young talents in our refereeing pool. This deeply gladdens my heart,” he said. “Last year, we had 40 people undertake this course, and this year, we have 46.
Let me reveal to you that 10 of those young talents from last year have been elevated to the NPFL, and none of them was found wanting throughout the season.”
He further urged the participants to carry their knowledge into practical use and to cultivate unity and collaboration among themselves for continuous development.
“Your performance gives great hope, and affirms the NFF’s commitment to building the future through youth. But to grow further, you must fraternize, collaborate, and work as a team to sharpen and strengthen your individual and collective capacities.”
The course featured expert-led sessions on modern refereeing techniques, physical fitness standards, and performance psychology, with significant input from international and local instructors. The two modules included: a Technical and Physical Instructors’ Course (June 9–13), and a Young Talents Programme (June 15–19).
President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Hon. Sani Zubairu, praised the initiative and emphasized its long-term value.
“The growing confidence in Nigerian referees can be traced to the support and intentionality of the NFF, especially in consistently organizing capacity-enhancing programmes like this.”
Notable personalities present at the closing ceremony included FIFA Fitness Instructor Boubaker Hanachi (Tunisia); Nigerian instructors Felicia Okwugba, Peter Edibe, Cecilia Ugbuji, Emmanuel Imiere, Stella Emoji, and Promise Uwaeme; Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee Madam Faith Irabor; Deputy Chairman Rafiu Umar Gusau; committee members Kabiyesi James Odeniran, Calistus Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, Dr. Bello Mohammed, Abraham Zakowi, and Waziri Abba Gawe; NRA Secretary Mohammed Ameenu; NFF Director of Communications Dr. Ademola Olajire; and Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Isah Ladan Bosso.
With 86 vibrant young referees now in its development pool and demonstrable success in transitioning talents to elite-level officiating, Nigeria’s refereeing ecosystem is well-positioned for a new era—one that could see Nigerian officials take their place on football’s biggest stage.
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