The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee/Unit has issued preliminary suspensions for 14 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) referees.
According to the committee, in a statement dated 6th of November, 2023, the move was in response to concerns regarding the perceived poor performances of the match officials in several NPFL matches.
One referee from Matchday 2, 1 from Matchday 4, 2 from Matchday 5, 2 from Matchday 6, and 1 from Matchday 7 are involved in the suspension.
According to the statement, the matches and officials affected by the suspension are as follows:
i. Niger Tornadoes vs Rivers United (Matchday 2) – Referee Bawa Buhari (GM)
ii. Niger Tornadoes vs Bayelsa United (Matchday 4) – Referee Chukwuka Jahlove (AN) and Assistant Referee Akinwale Tomiwa (OY)
iii. Sporting Lagos vs Niger Tornadoes (Matchday 5) – Assistant Referee II: Zachariah Nde (DT)
iv. Gombe United vs Plateau United (Matchday 5) – Referee: Saeed Abdulaziz (KT) and Assistant Referee Jimmy Aimugbonrie (ED)
v. Kwara United vs Sporting Lagos (Matchday 6) – Referee: Brown Ebenezer (AB) and Assistant Referee Atuwho Morrisson (DT)
vi. Sunshine Stars vs Abia Warriors (Matchday 6) – All four Officials
vii. Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars (Matchday 7) – Referee: Imamu Maliki U. (KN) and Assistant Referee Sunday Azi (PL).
The committee further informed they would appreciate it if full videos of the games to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the officials’ performances.
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