NFF Tells Nigerian FIFA Referees To Be Mindful of Integrity Clause

Apparently aware of the huge task that awaits referees handed  FIFA badges each season, the Nigeria Football Federation,  NFF, has asked international referees from the country to respect the integrity regulations expected of them.

President of the Federation, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick gave the advice at the 2021 FIFA Badging Ceremony at the Conference Hall of the Goal Project, Abuja on Thursday.

Amaju who was represented at the occasion by an Executive Committee member and Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Inuwa Sheriff Alhan, said that the  FIFA referees have become Nigeria's  ambassadors who should consider the image of the country when called upon to discharge their duties.

The international referees were further told to showcase the rare qualities that made them to be found worthy of consideration for the elite refereeing status. 

According to him, the Federation is happy with the performances of Nigeria both at international and domestic scenes  warranting their welfare to  become  an issue of concern. 

The Federation revealed plans to adequately handle issues related to outstanding match Indemnities involving match officials in the leagues.

The NFF General Secretary, Dr Sanusi Mohammed in his speech added that referees need to imbibe ethical machinations to display high level integrity expected of them. 

He said that the 3Rs of Integrity should be consciously applied. The Federation scribe enjoined the referees to  Recognise attempt to induce them, not just to Resist such attempt but also  Report such attempt to appropriate authorities. 

Dr Sanusi Mohammed further  averred that the NFF is seeking for more FIFA slots from CAF and FIFA based on good performances of    Nigeria referees at the  international scene.

Earlier, President of the NRA, Otunba Tade Azeez, who kick started the speeches explained that the Badging Ceremony is annual ritual meant to decorate arbiters who are recognized by the world football governing body as FIFA referees. He said that the NRA has always been available to work for the interest of the members advising that international badges call for more challenges in their  refereeing career. 

Otunba Tade Azeez asked them to make use of the chances provided to reach the apogee of their International career before retirement.

He further urged them to be good ambassadors.

Apart from the two new women referees; Yemi Akintoye and Beauty Tera  badged as Referee and  Assistant Referee respectively, the list has for male referees; Adebimpe Quadri, Basheer Salisu, Joseph Ogabor, Abdulahi Abubakar, Nurudeen Abubakar and Grema Mohammed as 

Usman Isah, Peter Pwadutakam, Efosa Celestine, Peter Ogwu, Digbori Tejiri, Abdulmajeed Usman  Olaide and Hope Egho are the male Assistant Referees.

In the  women category are Patience Ndidi Madu, Hannah Eliagwu and Olufumulayo Alaba (Referees),  while Women  Assistants are Mimisen Iyorhe, Abibatu Yusuf and Mfom Akpan.

Others also badged are Paul Umuago, Musa Dung Davou, Ndubuisi Uka and Bello Zuru Alhassan for Futsal Soccer FIFA referees. 

Beach Soccer FIFA referees are Ogunmuyiwa Jelili, Olaide Olayinka, Brig Gen Fawole Olawale and Rabiu Ahmad 

Kelechi Mejuobi

National Publicity Secretary, NPS 

Nigeria Referees Association, NRA