Referees Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh have been suspended from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) by the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Referee Development Committee.
The decision was made in response to an event that occurred during the matchday 24 match between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin. It was conveyed in a statement signed by the Technical Instructor (football) with the NFF and Referees Assessor, Ameenu Mohammed, on Thursday.
A serious penalty situation that obviously satisfied the Laws of the Game’s requirements for a foul—specifically, holding or pulling—was disregarded by both referees.
“We acknowledge the impact of your decisions on the match’s outcome and the integrity of the game on Sunday, 15th February 2025,” the NFF statement said. Ignoring a blatant penalty incident compromises officiating standards.
Additionally, the Assistant Referee’s inability to help during this pivotal moment was brought to light, highlighting the necessity of officiating in concert to maintain the game’s standards.
Olatunji and Jimoh will be suspended indefinitely, with immediate effect, due to these concerns. The goal of this move is to restore the league’s integrity and promote officiating improvements.
The NFF has also ordered that the 2025 President Federation Cup final matches must take place on Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2025, in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ruth David, the Director of Competitions, made this announcement in a statement. The NFF stresses the significance of this regulation and warns that failure to comply will result in a one million naira fine.
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“Unless the NFF grants exceptions,” the statement explained, “final matches are to occur solely on the 22nd/23rd.”
Important dates have also been set for the competition’s national play-off and later stages. The national draw will take place a week after the national play-off, which is scheduled for March 5. The quarterfinals will be held on May 3 and 4, and the semi-finals on May 17 and 18. The 64, 32, and 16 rounds are set for March 19, April 2, and April 16, 2025, respectively.
These planned schedules are meant to improve the competition’s organization and guarantee a seamless event, which would improve Nigerian football fans’ experience.
