Stakeholders and officials of Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) have taken a strong step towards improving the performances of referees in their championship.
This was one of the issues highlighted at an emergency congress of the NWFL, which held virtually on Thursday, March 21 ‘to deliberate on important issues through a series of motions.’
Resolutions of the meeting, as contained in a communique signed by head of the drafting committee, Danny Nazzal, noted that extra effort must be put in by everyone concerned with the game, in order to make their standard higher than ever.
The communique stated in part: ‘…efforts should be made to solicit the assistance of match officials committees in elevating the standard of officiating… in order to help improve the women’s game in Nigeria.’
The Congress, which had in attendance NWFL chairperson, Nkechi Obi; vice-chairperson, Hajiya Husaina; chief operating officer, Modupe Shabi; as well members Alhaja Rukayat Alaya, Ayodele Thomas and Danny Nazzal, also resolved to continue this season’s league at the state level.
This followed their resolution to overturn a motion that had previously been adopted on October 5, 2023 to suspend the states’ league.
Conversely, the latest resolution reached on Thursday declared that the states’ league will commence this season, with ‘a review of the proposed modalities for its operation, especially concerning promotion and relegation.’
The congress also charged the NWFL to liaise with state FAs to restructure the national league in the format of a decentralised championship.
A vote of confidence was also passed on the NWFL’s efforts so far and for its vision to actualise Women Football Rising Strategy.
The women’s body was also praised for seamlessly running the current season, and the clubs were applauded for their onerous efforts in honouring their various matches.
However, an initial decision reached on October 5, 2023 to increase the number of competing teams to 20 was put on hold.
‘Congress agreed to maintain the status quo, with the current number of 10 clubs, and review modalities for increasing the number of teams starting from next season,’ the communique stated in part.
