NFF Declares War on Match-Fixing with Tough Sanctions for Referees

In a decisive move to cleanse Nigerian football of corruption and restore integrity to the sport, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced a 10-year ban for referees found guilty of match-fixing, with additional plans to prosecute offenders through the appropriate legal channels.

This declaration follows the recent expulsion of two referees Temitope Fadojuto and Peter Emmanuel Edeoro who were found guilty of match trading and impersonation during a Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter between Inter Lagos FC and Crown FC. The incident, which saw Fadojuto impersonate Edeoro during the fixture, triggered nationwide condemnation and prompted swift action from football authorities.

“The era of impunity in Nigerian football is over,” said NFF President Ibrahim Gusau during the Nigeria National League Annual General Meeting held in Jos. “Anyone found culpable in match-fixing or any form of corruption will face severe consequences, including long-term bans and criminal prosecution.”

The federation also warned that clubs complicit in match-fixing will have their licenses withdrawn. Gusau stressed that the NFF is committed to preserving the integrity of the game and will not tolerate acts that bring the sport into disrepute.

The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) has backed the NFF’s tough stance, with its president, Sanni Zubair, promising to weed out underperforming and unethical officials from the system. “Referees who make deliberate errors or compromise the fairness of our matches will no longer have a place in our leagues,” he said.

The crackdown is part of a broader campaign by the NFF to professionalize football governance in the country and restore fans’ confidence in the sport. The federation has previously suspended 14 referees over questionable officiating during the current Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Stakeholders have praised the initiative, noting that long-term reform is crucial if Nigerian football is to thrive on the continental and global stages. “This is a step in the right direction,” said a club official who requested anonymity. “It’s time we protected the integrity of our leagues and gave our players and fans the game they deserve.”

As investigations continue, the NFF has assured the public that no one involved in match manipulation will be shielded, regardless of status or affiliation.