NFF Imposes Lifetime Ban on 2 Referees for Poor Officiating

• Referee Zaharadeen Nasiru and assistant Usman Auwalu receive lifetime bans for their handling of a Nigeria National League fixture
• The Nigeria Football Federation takes stern action following a controversial decision during a match, imposing lifetime bans on the officials

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken decisive action by imposing a lifetime ban on referee Zaharadeen Nasiru from Katsina State and his assistant Usman Auwalu from Borno State. This stern action comes in response to their inadequate handling of the Nigeria National League (NNL) week 17 fixture between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme in Dutse.

The controversial decision made by the referee during the match, where a goal was awarded to Jigawa Golden Stars despite clear infringement by the player, sparked outrage. The incident gained widespread attention after a video clip capturing the contentious goal went viral, prompting swift intervention from the NFF.

In a letter of expulsion signed by Mohammed Ameenu, the NFF Referees’ Committee unequivocally stated, “Given the serious nature of the decision taken in your week 17 match… wherein your actions brought refereeing and the game in Nigeria into disrepute, I am directed to notify you that you have been expelled with immediate effect from the league and refereeing generally.”

While this may be the first lifetime ban handed out by the NFF in the current season, it is not the first time the federation has taken stringent measures against erring referees. Earlier this year, at least 14 elite referees were suspended from officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Furthermore, Imamu Maliki Umar was removed from NPFL officiating duties due to a controversial call made during the Matchday 17 clash between 3SC and Bayelsa United in Ibadan. Referee Mohammed Gata, who officiated the week 24 fixture between Katsina United and Heartland in Katsina, also faced suspension by the NFF.

In another incident, on March 13, the NFF sanctioned centre referee Jimoh Abdulrasheed and his assistant Zakari Adamu, prohibiting them from further officiating in the 2024 NPFL season.