NPFL 2026/27: NFRA charges referees on laws of game, competition rules

As the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season gets underway, the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA) has charged match officials to strictly adhere to the Laws of the Game and competition rules throughout the campaign.

The call was made by the acting President of the association, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, in a message to referees ahead of the new NPFL season. Blueprint reports

The 2026/27 campaign, which is being played under the new EuroMatch-NPFL name, officially commenced on Friday with Shooting Stars defeating newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Mejuobi said the desire to reform Nigerian football and reposition the domestic league required match officials to demonstrate a proper understanding and consistent application of the Laws of the Game.

Referees must officiate without fear, favour

According to the NFRA acting president, referees must remain neutral and ensure that their decisions are guided strictly by the 17 Laws of the Game and the regulations governing the competition.

“With the desire to reform Nigeria football and place it properly, especially now we have a titled sponsor, what is expected of us is to officiate in accordance to the laws of the game and adhering to competition rules,” Mejuobi said.

“Our job is to officiate without fear or favour so far it equates to what the 17 Laws of the Game say. And respect the competition rules to ensure our actions are in tandem with the desire of the league organisers.”

He urged the officials to approach every match with professionalism, fairness and confidence, stressing that their conduct and decisions would have a direct bearing on the credibility of the league.

The association’s position comes as Nigerian football continues efforts to improve the standard and professionalism of domestic competitions, with the NFF having also conducted a comprehensive pre-season programme for referees, assistant referees and assessors ahead of the new campaign.

Officials equipped for new season

Mejuobi disclosed that referees and match assessors had undergone training and were mentally prepared for the demands of the new season.

He therefore urged them to translate the lessons and practical knowledge acquired during the pre-season programmes into their performances on matchdays.

“Go and perform and ensure the resources, time and energy spent during the pre-season programmes are not a waste. Translate what was taught during the pre-season to action in your matches. Make NFRA proud in all your engagements,” he told the officials.

The NFF’s Referees Development Unit had organised the pre-season seminar to improve the technical knowledge, fitness and officiating standards of referees and assistant referees ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

The programme included medical examinations, fitness tests, classroom sessions, practical exercises and examinations for the different groups of officials.

Security of referees remains priority

Beyond technical competence, the NFRA acting president said the association was equally concerned about the safety and security of match officials at various league centres.

He disclosed that the association had reactivated its Security and Safety Monitoring Committee to assist the NPFL and host football associations in ensuring adequate protection for referees before, during and after matches.

Mejuobi also warned unauthorised persons against gaining access to referees’ dressing rooms and tunnels.

He urged officials and football stakeholders to respect restricted areas around match venues, noting that such measures were necessary to protect match officials and guarantee a conducive environment for them to carry out their responsibilities.

The renewed emphasis on security comes amid longstanding concerns over the safety of referees and other match officials in Nigerian football, particularly at high-pressure league venues.

NFRA warns officials against misconduct

The association also warned referees against behaviour capable of bringing the game, the association or Nigerian football into disrepute.

Mejuobi cautioned officials to maintain discipline and uphold the integrity expected of members of the refereeing profession throughout the season.

He noted that referees found guilty of misconduct could face sanctions from the NFF Referees Committee, while serious cases capable of damaging the image of the NFRA could attract additional disciplinary measures.

According to him, such cases could be referred to the association’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, with offenders risking further punishment, including expulsion from the association.

He therefore urged referees to remember that their responsibilities extend beyond decisions made on the pitch, stressing that their conduct off the field could equally affect the reputation of the profession.

FIFA officials headline matchday one appointments

Meanwhile, several experienced and international referees have been named among the officials for the opening round of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

According to the official Matchday One appointments released by the NPFL, FIFA-listed referee Bashir Salisu will handle the curtain-raiser between Shooting Stars and Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium, with Ahmed M. Tijjani and Muhammed Zango serving as assistant referees, while Gata I. Muhammed is the fourth official.

The match, which kicked off the new season on Friday, ended 2-1 in favour of Shooting Stars, who secured the first three points of the campaign against the newly promoted Lagos side.

For Sunday’s remaining Matchday One fixtures, FIFA referee Joseph Ogabor is appointed for Abia Warriors versus Kun Khalifat, while Nurudeen Abubakar will take charge of Barau FC against Nasarawa United in Kano.

Noah Adejoh will officiate the Bendel Insurance versus Warri Wolves encounter in Benin City, while John A. Tope has been appointed referee for the Rangers versus Katsina United clash at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

At the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Grema Mohammed will officiate Rivers United against Plateau United.

Yemisi Akintoye will take charge of Kwara United versus Kano Pillars in Ilorin, while Funmilayo Alaba will be the centre referee for Niger Tornadoes against Enyimba in Minna.

The final Matchday One fixture between Doma United and Sporting Lagos at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe will be handled by Auwalu Rabiu.

The NPFL has confirmed that all 10 Matchday One fixtures are scheduled for the opening weekend, with the nine remaining matches taking place on Sunday.

Mejuobi seeks credible season

With the new campaign now underway, Mejuobi urged referees to justify the confidence placed in them by the football authorities by delivering consistent and credible performances throughout the season.

He wished the officials success in their assignments and urged them to prioritise professionalism, discipline and safety as they travel to different centres.

The NFRA leadership is expected to maintain close monitoring of refereeing performances as the season progresses, particularly as the domestic league enters a new era under its new naming-rights partnership.

For the referees, the message from the association is clear: decisions must be based on the Laws of the Game, competition regulations must be respected, and professionalism must remain at the heart of every NPFL fixture.

As clubs battle for points and honours across the country, the performance and conduct of match officials will remain an important part of the league’s quest to strengthen its credibility and improve the overall standard of Nigerian football.