NPFL Warns Referees Against Incompetence and Bias in Final Matches
The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, has issued a stern warning to referees about the need for competent and unbiased officiating in the remaining six match days of the 2023/24 NPFL season.
Elegbeleye, who also serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), commended the clubs for their improved performances, which have enhanced the quality and competitiveness of the matches. He urged all involved to maintain a spirit of fair play both on and off the field.
“We have had a fairly great season with improvements in quality of play and standard of the teams. It is important that we complete the last six games devoid of controversy and unnecessary disputes capable of ridiculing the game in the eyes of the football world,” Elegbeleye stated.
He emphasized that the NPFL and the NFF have maintained a strict stance against poor officiating since the start of the season and that this will continue. Monitoring efforts will be intensified, and any referee found wanting will be swiftly delisted. Additionally, plans are in place to reward outstanding referees as a means of motivation, with details to be unveiled at a later date.
The season was temporarily paused after Matchday 32 to allow Rivers United to complete a backlog of games caused by their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup. As the season resumes on Sunday, May 26, two fixtures in Umuahia and Jos will be broadcast live on Startimes, while six matches in Umuahia, Kano, Katsina, Ilorin, Owerri, and Jos will be available on NPFL_Live, the OTT live streaming platform powered by Propel Sports Africa.
Matchday 34 is scheduled for the weekend of June 1-2, Matchday 35 for June 8-9, and Matchday 36 will take place midweek on June 12. Matchday 37 is set for June 16, with the date for the final matchday to be announced shortly.
The race for the NPFL title is heating up, with Rangers International, Remo Stars, Enyimba International, and Shooting Stars Sports Club all emerging as front-runners.
