The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced plans to introduce Video Assisted Referees (VAR) in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
NFF President, Ibrahim Misa Gusau, made this disclosure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, during the opening game of the premier league between Rangers International and Wikki Tourists.
Gusau emphasized the importance of having capable hands to handle VAR, stating that the ministry wants to ensure that only qualified and trained personnel manage the technology.
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He assured that the NFF will start by training and retraining personnel to guarantee efficiency and quality service delivery.
The NFF President also highlighted other improvements planned for the 2024/25 season, including the use of communication gadgets by referees during matches.
This innovation will enable referees to communicate with their assistants without needing to consult with them in person.
Gusau expressed the NFF’s commitment to elevating the NPFL to international standards. “We are working on improving the league to international standards.
We will soon introduce VAR, but we are concerned about training the personnel who will handle it first, so we won’t have any errors while using VAR.”
The introduction of VAR is expected to enhance the accuracy of refereeing decisions in the NPFL, bringing the league in line with international best practices.
The NFF’s investment in technology and training demonstrates its dedication to developing Nigerian football.
With the new season underway, fans can look forward to a more efficient and accurate refereeing system, thanks to the introduction of VAR and communication gadgets.
The NFF’s efforts to improve the NPFL will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and success of Nigerian football.
