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As the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season begins, the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA) has tasked referees to strictly enforce the laws of the game and competition rules throughout the campaign.
The appeal was made by the association’s interim president, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, in a message to referees ahead of the new NPFL season. Project reports
The 2026/27 season, which is being played under the new name EuroMatch-NPFL, officially began on Friday with the Shooting Stars’ victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
Mejuobi said the desire to reform Nigerian football and reposition the national league requires match officials to demonstrate correct understanding and consistent application of the rules of the game.
The referees must referee without fear, favour
According to the acting president of the NFRA, referees must remain neutral and ensure that their decisions are strictly guided by the 17 laws of the game and regulations governing the competition.
“With the desire to reform Nigerian football and position it properly, especially now that we have a title sponsor, what is expected of us is to referee in accordance with the laws of the game and abide by the rules of the competition,” Mejuobi said.
“Our job is to referee without fear or favour, as far as the 17 Laws of the Game say. And to respect the rules of the competition to ensure that our actions are in line with the wishes of the league organisers.”
He urged referees to approach every game with professionalism, fairness and confidence, stressing that their conduct and decisions would have a direct impact on the league’s credibility.
The association’s stance comes as Nigerian football continues efforts to improve the standard and professionalism of domestic competitions, with the NFF also conducting a comprehensive pre-season program for referees, assistant referees and assessors ahead of the new campaign.
Managers equipped for the new season
Mejuobi revealed that the referees and match officials have been training and are mentally prepared for the demands of the new season.
He then urged them to translate the lessons and practical knowledge gained during their pre-season programs into their match-day performances.
“Go and perform and make sure the resources, time and energy spent during the pre-season programs are not a waste. Translate what was taught during the pre-season into action in your games. Make the NFRA proud in all your endeavors,” he told the officials.
The NFF Referees Development Unit organized the pre-season seminar to improve the technical knowledge, fitness and refereeing standards of referees and assistant referees ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
The program included medical examinations, fitness tests, classroom sessions, practical exercises and exams for different groups of officials.
The safety of referees remains a priority
Beyond technical expertise, the NFRA interim president said the association is equally concerned about the safety and security of match officials at the league’s various centers.
He revealed that the association has reactivated its safety and security monitoring committee to assist the NPFL and host football associations in ensuring adequate protection for referees before, during and after matches.
Mejuobi also warned unauthorized persons from entering the referees’ changing rooms and tunnels.
He urged football officials and stakeholders to respect restricted areas around match venues, stressing that such measures are necessary to protect match officials and ensure an enabling environment for them to carry out their responsibilities.
The renewed emphasis on safety comes against a backdrop of long-standing concerns about the safety of referees and other match officials in Nigerian football, particularly at high-pressure league venues.
The NFRA warns officials against misconduct
The association also warned referees against conduct likely to bring the game, the association or Nigerian football into disrepute.
Mejuobi warned referees to maintain discipline and uphold the integrity expected of members of the refereeing profession throughout the season.
It noted that referees found guilty of misconduct could be subject to sanctions by the NFF Referees Committee, while serious cases capable of damaging the NFRA’s image could result in further disciplinary measures.
According to him, such cases could be referred to the association’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, with violators risking further punishment, including expulsion from the association.
He therefore urged referees to remember that their responsibilities go beyond decisions made on the pitch, stressing that their conduct off the pitch could equally impact the reputation of the profession.
FIFA officials lead the first day’s events
Meanwhile, several experienced and international referees have been named among the referees for the opening round of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
According to official matchday one appointments released by the NPFL, FIFA referee Bashir Salisu will handle the curtain raiser between Shooting Stars and Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium, with Ahmed M. Tijjani and Muhammed Zango as assistant referees, while Gata I. Muhammed will be the fourth official.
The match, which kicked off the new season on Friday, ended 2-1 in favor of the Shooting Stars, who secured their first three points of the season against newly promoted Lagos.
For the remaining matchday one matches on Sunday, FIFA referee Joseph Ogabor will be appointed for the match between Abia Warriors and Kun Khalifat, while Nurudeen Abubakar will referee Barau FC against Nasarawa United in Kano.
Noah Adejoh will referee the match between Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves in Benin City, while John A. Tope has been appointed as the referee for the clash between Rangers and Katsina United at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Grema Mohammed will referee Rivers United against Plateau United.
Yemisi Akintoye will referee Kwara United against Kano Pillars in Ilorin, while Funmilayo Alaba will be the center referee for Niger Tornadoes against Enyimba in Minna.
The final match of the first day between Doma United and Sporting Lagos at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe will be handled by Auwalu Rabiu.
The NPFL have confirmed that all 10 matchday one matches are scheduled for the opening weekend, with the remaining nine matches taking place on Sunday.
Mejuobi is looking for a credible season
With the new season underway, Mejuobi urged referees to justify the trust placed in them by football authorities by delivering consistent and credible performances throughout the season.
He wished the officials success in their assignments and urged them to give priority to professionalism, discipline and safety while visiting the different centres.
NFRA leadership is expected to maintain close monitoring of officiating performances throughout the season, particularly as the national league enters a new era with its new naming rights partnership.
For referees, the association’s message is clear: decisions must be based on the laws of the game, competition regulations must be respected and professionalism must remain at the heart of every NPFL match.
As clubs battle for points and recognition across the country, the performances and conduct of referees will remain an important part of the league’s bid to strengthen its credibility and improve the overall standard of Nigerian football.
