The Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA) has inaugurated a special fact-finding committee to investigate the prolonged absence of Nigerian referees in top-tier international football competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the FIFA World Cup.
The move is in line with the reform agenda of the NFRA Acting President, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, under the “Rediscover NFRA Agenda,” aimed at revitalizing the standards and global competitiveness of Nigerian referees.
The ad hoc committee, formally known as the Special Fact-Finding Committee on Non-Inclusion of Nigeria International Referees in Elite A Class of CAF, is chaired by Engr. Sir Emmanuel Imiere (FIFA Retired).
Imiere presently serves as Vice President 1 and Chairman of the Grading, Assessment and Exam Committee.
Other members include:
Olori Jumoke Adebisi-Odeniran (FIFA Retired), National Training Officer – Vice Chairman
Dr. Aminu Shantali, Deputy National Training Officer and former CAF Referees Committee member
C.C. Chukwujekwu (FIFA Retired), Chief Technical Instructor, NFF Referees Committee
Comrade Abel Baba (FIFA Retired), CAF Assessor
Felicia Okwugba (FIFA Retired), FIFA/CAF-trained Instructor and Assessor
Peter Edibe (FIFA Retired), CAF and FIFA-trained Technical Instructor/Assessor
Hadiza Musa (FIFA Retired)
Sunday Okayi, former Secretary, NFF Referees Committee
Col. Nicholas Achikasim, Deputy Secretary General – Committee Secretary
Terms of Reference
The committee has been tasked with a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s declining representation in elite refereeing at the continental and global levels.
Key objectives include:
Identifying reasons why Nigeria has failed to produce a centre referee for AFCON and the FIFA World Cup since 2006, and the recent absence of assistant referees in the last two AFCON editions.
Assessing the current status and performance ratings of Nigerian referees within CAF and FIFA structures.
Recommending actionable strategies and policies to restore Nigeria’s presence in the Elite A category and improve future selections.
Engaging stakeholders across the football ecosystem through written and oral submissions to support the review process.
Timeline and Expectations
The committee has been given four weeks to submit its findings and recommendations to the NFRA National Executive Council (NEC).
Mejuobi expressed confidence in the committee members, thanking them in advance for their commitment and cooperation in addressing what has become a critical concern for Nigerian football.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to shape future policies and potentially reposition Nigerian referees for inclusion in major tournaments organized by the Confederation of African Football and the FIFA.
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