Match officials in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) are facing renewed uncertainty over unpaid match indemnities and other welfare-related issues following the latest administrative shake-up in Nigerian football.
According to a report by BSN Sports, several referees are still awaiting payments for matches officiated during the 2025/26 NPFL season, including outstanding allowances from league fixtures and the President Federation Cup.
The officials had reportedly raised concerns over the unpaid allowances before the start of the new 2026/27 season. However, the recent removal of the NPFL board by the interim leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as part of ongoing reforms, has created uncertainty over which authority will now settle the financial obligations.
The situation is not entirely new. In January 2026, referees, match commissioners and referee assessors were reportedly owed allowances covering approximately 11 matchdays.
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Although some payments were eventually made, BSN Sports reports that certain officials are still expecting money dating back to Matchday 26 of the previous campaign.
NPFL referees reportedly earn between ₦60,000 and ₦90,000 in basic matchday allowances, excluding accommodation and transportation payments.
Ahead of the new season, the officials also expressed concerns over an alleged directive requiring each referee to pay ₦50,000 for uniforms, with the deadline reportedly set for the end of August.
The referees further questioned the selection and retention policies of the league’s Referees Committee, alleging that some experienced officials were removed despite being under the stipulated age limit and successfully passing fitness tests.
Acting President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Kelechi Mejuobi, declined to comment on the outstanding payments, directing enquiries to the NPFL organisers.
With the NFF currently undergoing major administrative reforms, affected referees are now seeking clarity on when their outstanding allowances will be paid and who will assume responsibility for resolving the financial issues.
The unresolved payments have added another layer of concern to Nigerian football as the new NPFL season gets underway.
