By Solomon OKPO.
The credibility of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has once again been called into question following the controversial officiating by FIFA-badged referee Abdullahi Abubakar from the Niger State Council during Akwa United’s away game against Rangers International of Enugu on Sunday.
Akwa United was allegedly denied two legitimate goals, sparking outrage among fans, analysts, and stakeholders who believe that corrupt officiating continues to undermine the integrity of Nigerian football.
Eyewitness reports from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu indicate that the referee’s decisions heavily favored the home team, leading to suspicions of bias. The disallowed goals, which could have changed the outcome of the match, have reignited calls for urgent reforms to sanitize the NPFL and ensure fair play in domestic football.
This latest incident is not an isolated case but part of a disturbing trend of questionable refereeing decisions that have plagued the NPFL. Many football enthusiasts argue that such acts of officiating malpractice discourage fair competition, demoralize teams, and diminish the league’s credibility both locally and internationally.
Referees are expected to be neutral arbiters of the game, enforcing the rules without fear or favor. However, allegations of bribery and favoritism have persisted, with many clubs and stakeholders accusing certain match officials of influencing results to benefit specific teams.
To restore integrity to the NPFL, the League Management Company (LMC), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) must take decisive action against erring referees. There is a need for:
1. Independent Match Review Panels, An impartial panel should be set up to review controversial decisions and penalize referees found guilty of bias or incompetence.
2. Stricter Sanctions for Corrupt Officials – Any referee found guilty of match-fixing or deliberate manipulation of results should face suspension or outright banning from officiating.
3. Introduction of VAR Technology, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, though expensive, could help reduce human errors and improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions in crucial matches.
4. Referee Performance Assessments, Officials should be graded after every game, and those who consistently perform poorly should be removed from officiating high-profile matches.
Football remains one of Nigeria’s biggest unifying factors, and its credibility must be preserved. Stakeholders, including club owners, players, fans, and the media, must demand accountability and transparency in officiating. The NPFL must not become a playground for corrupt elements who prioritize personal gains over the development of the game.
The case of Akwa United versus Rangers should serve as a wake-up call to all football authorities. If urgent steps are not taken, the league risks further decline, losing the trust of fans and potential sponsors who value fairness and professionalism.
It is time to weed out corrupt referees and uphold the true spirit of the game. Nigerian football deserves better.
