Nigerian Football Federation Refereeing Development Unit Takes Action Following Controversial Match
Following a contentious football match between Rivers United FC and Kano Pillars FC, played on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Nigerian Football Federation Refereeing Development Unit has announced the stepping down of Center Referee Jimoh Abduraheed from Bauchi and Assistant Referee Zakari Adamu from Jigawa.
The decision to step down the Center Referee stemmed from a petition submitted by Kano Pillars Management to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Interim Management Company (IMC).
The petition highlighted an incident during the match where the Kano Pillars FC goalkeeper was allegedly pushed into the net after he had grabbed the ball from a Rivers United player. This altercation resulted in the goalkeeper sustaining an injury and being down for over fifteen minutes.
Amidst the controversy, the Center Referee controversially awarded a goal to Rivers United FC, equalizing the score with Pillars FC. The decision sparked outrage and prompted swift action from the Nigerian Football Federation Refereeing Development Unit.
The letter announcing the stepping down of the Center Referee and Assistant Referee was addressed to the NFF Chairman and the General Secretary, ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the matter.
