The job of the NFF Match Commissioner is not going to be business as usual. President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau gave the warning at the 2023 NFF Match Commissioners’ Seminar in Jabi, Abuja.
Gusau craved the need for global best practices in the operations of the NFF for better results.
“You will agree with me that we had a successful programme in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last season, this term is even going to be better. Our football amounts to nothing if our local league is not well organized. Hence, our Match officials must be up and doing technically and administratively.”
He did not mince words in informing indolent Match Officials that their time is up as the league cannot continue to have people bereft of requisite knowledge.
“We are going to set up a special committee to review Match Commissioners’ reports. From there, we would remove the chaff. Scanned reports must be submitted before midnight of match day. Business is business, those who are absent from this seminar cannot be part of this season’s programme.”
Alhaji Gusau assured that the kick-off date for the 2023/2024 season was delayed for proper planning.
Earlier, the Chairman, NFF Match Commissioners Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kali confirmed a 30% increase in the remuneration of Match Commissioners for the new season.
NFF Match Commissioners from all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory are attending the event.