NPFL Chairman Commends Referees’ Progress, Sets Vision for Continued Growth in 2024/25 Season
NPFL Chairman Commends Referees’ progress. In a comprehensive review of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, the league’s Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, expressed strong approval of the standard of refereeing, describing it as comparable to international best practices. Speaking to sports journalists during a media briefing, Elegbeleye praised the progress made by Nigerian referees, calling it one of the major highlights of the just-concluded football season in Nigeria.
Nigerian Referees Now Among the Best in the World – Elegbeleye
According to Elegbeleye, the quality of officiating in the NPFL has improved so significantly that it now rivals that of top football leagues around the globe. “I’ve traveled across continents and attended numerous matches across various leagues. I’ve seen some truly questionable decisions by officials in those games—something that is increasingly rare in the NPFL. That’s why I can confidently say our referees are among the best globally,” he declared with pride.
This bold statement is a strong endorsement of the work being done by the Nigeria Referees Association and the league management to improve the integrity and professionalism of football officiating in the country. The NPFL chairman’s remarks aim to boost the morale of local referees and inspire them to continue setting high standards.
Continental Success Validates Domestic Improvements
Elegbeleye pointed out that the progress in local officiating is not going unnoticed at the continental level. He highlighted the participation of Nigerian referees in recent major Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournaments as a clear sign that Nigeria’s officials are gaining recognition for their competence.
For example, at the last CAF U-20 Championship held in Egypt, a Nigerian referee was among the officials selected to officiate key matches. More recently, another Nigerian referee has been shortlisted to officiate at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). “These achievements speak volumes about the quality of our referees,” Elegbeleye said, emphasizing that their international exposure will have a ripple effect on their colleagues back home, opening doors for even more Nigerian officials to be considered for top-level assignments.
Ongoing Training Is Key to Sustained Excellence
Despite these successes, Elegbeleye was quick to caution against complacency. He acknowledged that while a lot of progress has been made, there is still room for improvement. To this end, he stressed the importance of ongoing training and retraining programs for referees at all levels. These initiatives, he said, are crucial for maintaining the upward trajectory of officiating standards in Nigerian football.
“The league management must continue to invest in the development of referees through regular workshops, seminars, and certification programs,” Elegbeleye stated. “Improved education on the rules of the game, better fitness standards, and enhanced use of modern technology in match analysis will help ensure our referees stay ahead of the curve.”
He added that support for referees should not only come from the league body but also from clubs, sponsors, and stakeholders who benefit from credible and fair officiating. The NPFL chairman expressed his desire to see a system where referees are consistently empowered with tools and knowledge to perform at the highest level.
Role of Media in Supporting Growth of Refereeing Standards
Elegbeleye also called on the Nigerian sports media to play a more constructive role in the development of football officiating.
“We need the media to highlight good refereeing as much as they point out the bad. “This way, we create a culture that rewards excellence and discourages mediocrity.”
The NPFL boss emphasized that media scrutiny should be fair and fact-based, not sensationalist. Constructive criticism, according to him, helps the league to grow by exposing irregularities while reinforcing positive developments.
The Bigger Picture: Building a World-Class Football League
The NPFL’s broader ambition, as outlined by Elegbeleye, is to transform the league into one of Africa’s most professionally run and respected competitions.
The chairman’s praise for referees is part of a larger narrative about the league’s rising profile. Improved officiating means fewer controversies, more competitive games, and ultimately, greater trust from fans, sponsors, and international partners. All of these factors contribute to the league’s commercial growth and global appeal.
Elegbeleye concluded by reaffirming the league’s commitment to continuous improvement and transparency.
Why Referee Development Is Crucial for Nigerian Football
Referees are the custodians of fairness on the field.
By investing in the continuous development of referees, the NPFL ensures that:
- Matches are decided on merit, increasing trust among clubs and fans.
- Young referees are given a pathway to grow and eventually compete on international platforms.
- Matchday experience improves, leading to better stadium attendance and broadcast ratings.
- Sponsorship confidence increases, as stakeholders are assured of a professionally managed product.
Conclusion on NPFL Chairman Commends Referees’ : Sustaining the Momentum
The commendation from NPFL Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye serves as both recognition and a call to action. Nigerian referees have made great strides in recent years, and their progress is being noticed far beyond the country’s borders. However, to maintain this momentum, continuous support, training, and constructive engagement from all stakeholders—especially the media—is essential.
As the NPFL gears up for another exciting season, the spotlight is firmly on those who enforce the rules.
