In a significant development within the Nigerian football landscape, the Refereeing Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued invitations to several referees and assistant referees to clarify and explain their actions and decisions in recent Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) matches.

The notice, dated 4th December 2023, has raised eyebrows as it sheds light on alleged controversies surrounding certain officiating decisions.

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The referees summoned include Bawa Buhari (GM), who officiated the match between Niger Tornadoes and Rivers United on Matchday 2 of the NPFL.

Also under scrutiny is Chukwuka Jahlove (AN), the referee for the Niger Tornadoes vs. Bayelsa United clash on Matchday 4, alongside Akinwale Tomiwa (OY) and Abdullahi Usman (GM) who served as Assistant Referee I and II, respectively, in the same encounter.

Zachariah Nde (DT) finds himself in the spotlight as Assistant Referee II in the Sporting Lagos vs. Niger Tornadoes fixture on Matchday 5.

Saeed Abdul Azeez (KT) is summoned for his role as the referee in the Gombe United vs. Plateau United game on Matchday 5.

Brown Ebenezer (AB), Sani Babayo (GM), Mohammed Umar (KD), Mohammed Sanusi (ZM), Abdulmalik Madaki (FCT), Mohammed Chado (NG), and Grema Mohammed (BO) are also among those called upon to explain their decisions in various NPFL encounters.

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The summoned officials are requested to appear before the NFF Refereeing Development Committee on Sunday, 10th December 2023, where they will be given an opportunity to clarify and provide explanations for their actions during the specified matches.

The move comes as part of the NFF’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the league’s officiating.

The controversies surrounding these matches have drawn attention, and the NFF is taking proactive steps to address concerns and uphold the integrity of the game.

Mohammed Ameenu, who serves as DLM, FAIPA, FIMC, CMC, and acts on behalf of the Chairman of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the highest standards in refereeing.

The NFF remains dedicated to fostering fair play and credibility within the Nigerian football ecosystem, and this summons marks a pivotal moment in their efforts to address officiating concerns head-on.

Football enthusiasts will be keenly watching the outcomes of these clarifications as they impact the trajectory of the ongoing NPFL season.