HighlightSports

Despite CAF snubs, Nigerian referees will officiate at AFCON, World Cup in 2026 says NRA President Zubairu

Persecondnews recalls that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released 68 names of match officials for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations without a single Nigerian arbiter on duty.

1k

The non-representation of Nigerian referees at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan is giving the Nigerian Referee Association (NRA) worry, and it has taken steps to redress it in future championships.

The President of the NRA, Sani Zubairu, described it as inconceivable that the Nigerian referees have no representation.

He told Persecondnews in Abuja on Monday in an exclusive interview that the association has taken steps to ensure that Nigerian match officials feature in the next AFCON and World Cup in 2026.

According to Zubairu, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), under the direction of Ibrahim Gusau, and the Minister of Sports have pledged their support for funding and promoting the development of referees in the nation.

Persecondnews recalls that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released 68 names of match officials for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations without a single Nigerian arbiter on duty.

Of the 26 match referees, 30 assistant referees, and 12 video assistant referees (VAR) listed by CAF, all Nigerian referees, including our FIFA-badged officials, were conveniently snubbed.

This is not the first time CAF has overlooked Nigerian referees for continental duties in the last couple of years.

The NRA President said: “We cannot say CAF snubbed the Nigeria referees; CAF has been using our referees during other CAF-organised competitions.

“The Ministry of Sports is collaborating with the NFF to support the training and development of Nigerian referees so they can be on par with their international counterparts.

“I can categorically tell you that there are strategic steps being taken by the Ministry of Sports led by Sen. John Owan Enoh and Gusau to ensure that we have match officials in the next AFCON and the World Cup in 2026 that will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is currently not in operation in Nigeria’s domestic games, Persecond News reports.

Zubairu said they have plans to train and introduce VAR into the Nigerian domestic league, noting that this will help in the development of the beautiful game in Nigeria and also improve the standard of officiating in the league and reduce the margin for errors.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

N1.3trn fraud: EFCC arrests, grills ex-Delta Gov. Okowa

A former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has been apprehended by the...

Equatorial Guinea government official embroiled in sextape scandal

Mr. Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)...

CAF ruling against Libya: Nigerian govt. promises to protect its citizens in Libya

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to...

Polaris Bank wins “Best Mobile App” award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

For its commitment to digital innovation and excellence, Polaris Bank has again...

Updated: After six years of injustice, Nigeria’s ex-Chief Justice, Onnoghen, finally gets justice

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, overturned the conviction of...

Flood sacks 4 Anambra council areas as Soludo activates 27 IDP camps

By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka Floods have devastated four local government areas in...

Four-month salary: NASU, SSANU secure irrevocable commitment from FG, suspend strike

After a six-day strike, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff...

Three radio stations in Abia destroyed by mysterious fire

A mysterious fire has hit three radio stations in Abia in Abia...

Seven new ministers for inauguration on Monday, Nov. 4

President Bola Tinubu will preside over the oath-taking of seven new ministers...

Youth shot dead for playing football near VIP’s house

A 70-year-old man, Mr. Stephen Irobunda, has escaped a mob action in...

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Dimeji Ajibola, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker behind the popular series Shanty Town,...

Just in: UK Conservative Party elects former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch as new leader

Former British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the new leader...

Demolition of Abuja N200bln properties: Restrain Wike, Estate Developers Beg Pres. Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to intervene in the alleged demolition...

FirstBank’s retired CEO, Adeduntan, gets presidential commendation

Impressed with his exemplary career trajectory and transformative leadership, President Bola Tinubu...

#EndBadGovernance protests: AGF to Police: Transfer casefiles of 72 defendants to my office

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince...

NAGAFF Taps NPA MD, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as Keynote Speaker for Silver Jubilee Anniversary

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced Dr....

It’s fake news: Fubara did not order shut down of NNPC Ltd, oil companies in Rivers

The Rivers State Government has refuted a report circulating on social media,...

Tinubu to NEC: Allow tax reform bills pass through legislative process, public hearing

President Bola Tinubu has received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the...

Minister Inspects Bagaja Renewables’ Zawaciki 1MWp Mini-Grid Amid Northern Power Crisis

As northern Nigeria grapples with prolonged power outages, Minister of Power Adelabu...

Just in: Court grants VeryDarkMan N2m bail

Reprieve has come for the detained social media critic, Martins Otse, popularly...