The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commended the outstanding performance of Nigerian referees in the annual Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) fitness test conducted in Abuja.
Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary General of the NFF, attributed the success to the federation’s commitment to providing referees with necessary tools and support.
Sanusi told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday that all Nigerian referees who participated passed with flying colors, meeting the required standards for officiating in international matches.
He attributed the success to the partnership between the NFF and Premium Trust Bank, which provided support for the referees’ training and development in the country.
“This partnership has been instrumental in helping our referees achieve this feat.
“We are grateful for this support and look forward to continuing our partnership.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our referees and our efforts to provide our referees with the best training,” he said.
Sanusi expressed optimism that the Nigerian referees will become great ambassadors for the country.
“ The success of the Nigerian referees in the FIFA fitness test is a major boost to the country’s football development.
“The federation is committed to building on this achievement to take Nigerian football to the next level.
“Nigerian referees are now set to take their place among the best in the world, officiating in major international events such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
“ As the NFF continues to support and develop the country’s referees, Nigerian football fans can look forward to seeing their referees excel on the international stage,” he said .
He acknowledged the disappointment of Nigeria’s absence from the last FIFA World Cup, but assured that the federation is working tirelessly to ensure qualification for the next tournament.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 30 referees are decorated with the badge of world football-governing body, FIFA, thus conferring on them the authority to perform as international arbiters in the year 2025.
