The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has conducted a review of the 2024/25 season and commended the referees for their performances, while urging for the continuation of the improvements in the upcoming campaign. “I have traveled globally and observed some alarming officiating decisions—something rarely seen in the NPFL,” Elegbeleye stated during an interactive session with journalists.
“This is why I can assert with confidence that our referees rank among the best in the world.” The NPFL chairman credited the significant enhancements in the referees’ performance as a factor that allowed those selected for continental competitions to execute their responsibilities with excellence, thereby creating more opportunities for their peers.
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Elegbeleye referenced the recent U-20 Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt, remarking: “At the U-20 AFCON Egypt, a Nigerian referee participated, and another has been nominated for the forthcoming WAFCON. This indicates clear advancement.”
While acknowledging that there remains further work to be done in refining the system, Elegbeleye expressed the belief that ongoing support for training and retraining is essential to maintain the progress achieved thus far. He encouraged the media to help in showcasing the positive performances of individual referees while also bringing attention to irregularities that will ensure the league continues on its growth path.
