NSC interfaces with referee body to boost league officiating

Posted : 07 January 2025

The National Sports Commission (NSC) is committed to working with all stakeholders to advance improved officiating in the domestic football league.

This commitment was underscored during a meeting between NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) President, Sani Zubairu.

According to Dikko, referees play a pivotal role in the development of the domestic league.

His words:
"We are placing great emphasis on growing our local content. The great Pele once said that a country's national team is only as good as its league.

"So, whatever we achieve globally in football, what directly benefits our economy is the domestic league. We are developing strategies to grow the sports economy, and the league is paramount to that goal as one of the critical drivers for jumpstarting the domestic sports industry.

"We are measured by the success of our league. Therefore, we will be very deliberate in improving every facet of the league and are ready to engage all stakeholders to achieve these objectives."

He continued:
"Officiating is key to attaining the quality of the league we desire.

"This is why occasional engagement with the NRA is essential. We need to understand how we can support efforts to boost officiating in the league and identify the enablers that need to be in place.

"It is important to know their current challenges and how we can address them. Of course, in doing this, we must collaborate with the NFF, the parent association and regulator of football in Nigeria.

"During my time with the league, I worked closely with the NRA and supported several referee development programs, including providing official uniforms and other logistics to improve their working conditions. These efforts were unprecedented and set standards for the future. As such, I am well aware of many of the challenges and what needs to be done."

In response, Zubairu pledged the NRA's support in helping to realize the NSC’s vision for the domestic league.

He said:
"So far, so good. We can say that officiating in the league has been commendable as we approach the halfway mark. We have come to meet with the NSC Chairman.

"He is the overall head of sports in Nigeria and a key member of the sports family who understands the issues. We have worked together over the years.

"I have come to congratulate him and wish him all the best in this new assignment, which we all know he is very capable and competent to handle.

"The larger NRA body will still come here for a more formal meeting. We will undoubtedly collaborate with him to help achieve the ambitious plans he has for our league.

"We know that he is an achiever, and we are confident he will succeed. He is our boss, and with his experience at the league, the Federation, CAF, and FIFA, he knows what is good for us."

NSC interfaces with referee body to boost league officiating

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