The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has shown it is no longer willing to tolerate corruption in grassroots football, taking bold disciplinary steps against erring referees in the Nationwide League One (NLO) -with action rooted in a series of strongly worded internal memos.
In a circular dated April 15, 2024, titled “Refereeing in the 2024 League Season – A Final Warning”, the NFF Refereeing Development Committee clearly warned all match officials that any involvement in manipulation, bias, compromise or outright fixing of matches would not be treated lightly. The memo stated that:
“Any referee or assistant referee who is found to be involved in any act that undermines the integrity of our games shall be issued a minimum of ten (10) years ban, with further recommendations for arrest and prosecution by the SSS or Police.”
This wasn’t an empty threat. Just weeks into the NLO season, the NFF took disciplinary action against referee Mohammed Mohammed Ndachi, who was stepped down immediately for his role in the controversial match between Jikadawa Sports FC and NAF FC at the Minna Centre. The internal disciplinary memo dated April 21, 2024, confirmed that Ndachi was:
“…found culpable for bringing the game into disrepute. He is hereby stepped down from all matches until further notice, and must not approach any referee or match official pending final decision.”
Sources also confirm that arrests have been made, while some officials have been expelled entirely from officiating within the NLO, showing that the Federation is walking its talk.
This marks a sharp turn from the past, and credit must go to the NFF Disciplinary Committee and the Refereeing Development Department for acting with speed and clarity. Nigerian football fans are watching and applauding.
But the job isn’t done.
NLO Must Match NFF’s Energy
The management of the NLO must rise to the occasion by working hand-in-hand with the NFF to flush out compromised officials and restore trust to grassroots football. Silence or indifference from the league’s organizers will only encourage rogue elements to find new ways to circumvent the system.
Additionally, there’s a financial issue that can no longer be ignored: referees in the NLO are poorly paid, and this makes them easy prey for match-fixing syndicates. The NLO must review and improve the remuneration structure for referees if it hopes to reduce the temptation of corruption.
Public Support Needed
The NFF has also urged the general public, clubs, players, and fans to submit any evidence of match-fixing or referee misconduct to the Federation. The internal circular titled “To All League Referees” (dated April 17, 2024) emphasized:
“All complaints with documentary or video evidence should be sent to the Secretary, Referees Committee or copied to the NFF General Secretary, to enable disciplinary action.”
Let it be known: officials who are caught will not only be dismissed – they will be handed over to law enforcement, backed by official sections, and pursued under criminal codes.
A Word of Praise
It is refreshing to see that while the NPFL and NNL are showing improvement in officiating standards, the NLO is now under the same microscope. The Federation’s actions signal the beginning of a much-needed reform.
For once, referees are being reminded that whistles are for justice – not for sale.
The NFF has thrown down the gauntlet. It’s now up to the NLO and the rest of Nigerian football to back the effort – or be left behind.
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