The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Refereeing Development Committee, has handed down an indefinite suspension to a match referee and referee assessor following officiating lapses in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter between Kano Pillars FC and Abia Warriors.
The disciplinary action was confirmed in an official letter dated January 22, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the Chairman of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee.
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According to the NFF, the referee, Ishaya Usman, failed to award what was described as a “glaring penalty” during the Matchday fixture played on January 19, 2026.
The committee ruled that the decision adversely affected the outcome of the match and was not in line with the provisions of the Laws of the Game.
The referee assessor for the match, Ogwueche Benjamin, was also found culpable. The committee stated that the assessor neglected his core responsibilities, noting that his post-match report did not reflect any incidents or evidence of a proper match debriefing with the officiating team.
The NFF Refereeing Development Committee emphasized that the combined actions of both officials not only influenced the result of the match but also brought the game into disrepute.
“As a result of these findings, both officials have been suspended indefinitely with immediate effect from all league and other football matches,” the statement read.
Copies of the suspension letter were forwarded to the President and General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, as well as the Chairman/Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The decision underscores the NFF’s continued commitment to improving refereeing standards and safeguarding the integrity of football competitions across the country.
