The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee has issued a stern warning to referees and assistant referees officiating in the country’s top leagues, threatening expulsion and possible prosecution for officials found guilty of misconduct.
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In a circular dated March 11, 2026, and addressed to referees and assistant referees in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), and Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), the committee expressed concern over what it described as compromising officiating standards capable of bringing the integrity of the game into disrepute.
The committee noted that although many officials continue to uphold fairness, equity and proper application of the Laws of the Game, some referees have deviated from the expected standards, thereby affecting the credibility of officiating in domestic competitions.
To address the situation, the NFF President has reactivated the Monitoring Committee with the mandate to deploy personnel to match venues across the NPFL, NNL and NWFL.
The officials will monitor games and report the actions or inactions of match officials for appropriate disciplinary measures.
The committee instructed referees and assistant referees to perform their duties diligently, truthfully and fairly, emphasizing that officiating must be carried out without fear or favour.
Chairman of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee, Mohammed Ameenu, warned that any referee who disregards the guidelines or acts in ways that undermine the integrity of Nigerian football would face severe consequences.
According to the statement, erring officials risk dismissal from refereeing and could also be handed over to security agencies for prosecution on charges related to sabotage and match fixing.
The committee urged match officials to uphold professionalism and integrity as the country’s football leagues approach a crucial stage of the season.
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