The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is stepping up efforts to modernise officiating in the country, with plans to train local referees in Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau revealed that at least 10 Nigerian referees will undergo specialised training to operate VAR, as part of a broader push to align the country’s football with global standards.
Gusau made this known during a meeting with the new leadership of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), where he stressed the urgent need for reform in recruitment, training, and development of match officials.
According to him, the future of refereeing in Nigeria must be built on early development and modern skills. He argued that recruiting referees at a young age is key to producing officials capable of reaching elite levels.
He also emphasized that computer literacy is no longer optional for referees, noting that modern officiating now involves detailed reporting and the use of technology.
“We must start early and build them properly. The game has changed, and our referees must change with it,” Gusau said.
Beyond training, the NFF boss called for structural changes within the refereeing system, urging the NRA to adopt policies that prioritise age limits, education, and technical competence.
The move comes as part of wider efforts to improve the quality of officiating in Nigerian football, which has often faced criticism over inconsistency and lack of technological support.
With VAR becoming a standard across top leagues and international competitions, the NFF’s initiative signals a clear intention to close the gap and prepare Nigerian referees for the global stage.
