By Victor Onajero
The Refereeing Development Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has expelled Zaharadeen Nasiru, a Centre Referee from Katsina State for his poor handling of a Nigeria National League, NNL, match between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme FC on Saturday, April 5, 2024.
A letter signed by Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the Chairman, NFF Referees’ Committee, said the actions of the Match arbiter brought refereeing and football in Nigeria into disrepute.
The expulsion of the referee which takes immediate effect applies in the leagues and football in general.
“In view of the serious nature of the decisions taken in your week 17 match involving Jigawa Golden Stars FC and Sporting Supreme FC played in Dutse wherein your actions brought Refereeing and the game in Nigeria into disrepute, I am directed to notify you that you have been expelled with immediate effect from the league and refereeing generally,” said the NFF Referees’ Committee.
Video clips of the Week 17 NNL clash between home side, Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme FC of Abuja, have gone viral, after the Centre Referee, Zaharedeen Nasiru, awarded a goal for Jigawa Golden Stars that was converted glaringly by hands not once but twice.
The Centre Referee also wrongfully awarded a penalty to the home side, Jigawa Golden Stars for a non-existent handball in the box of Sporting Supreme FC.
Despite the swift response of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee/Unit, football lovers in the country want the Match Officials to be investigated and other culprits brought to book.
