The Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Referee Development Committee has banned Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Following an incident during the matchday 24 match between Kwara United FC and Bayelsa United in Ilorin, the Technical Instructor (football) of the NFF and Referees Assessor, Ameenu Mohammed, signed a statement on Thursday.
Both referees failed to see a serious penalty situation that, in accordance with the Laws of the Game, obviously qualified as a foul—specifically, holding or tugging.
According to the NFF statement, “We recognize the influence your choices have on the result of the game and the integrity of the match on Sunday, February 15, 2025.” A blatant penalty occurrence that is ignored compromises officiating standards.
The Assistant Referee’s inability to help during this pivotal moment was also brought to light, highlighting the necessity of officiating in concert to maintain the game’s standards.
With immediate effect, Olatunji and Jimoh will be suspended indefinitely due to these concerns. This action aims to restore the league’s integrity and promote improvements in officiating.
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Another development is that the NFF has required the 2025 President Federation Cup final matches to be played on Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2025, in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ruth David, Director of Competitions, issued a statement explaining this. With a fine of one million naira for noncompliance, the NFF highlights the significance of this regulation.
“Unless the NFF grants exceptions, final matches are to take place exclusively on the 22nd/23rd,” the announcement explained.
Important dates have also been set for the national play-off and later stages of the competition. A week later, the national draw will take place after the March 5 national play-off. The quarterfinals are set for May 3 and 4, and the semi-finals are set for May 17 and 18. The 64, 32, and 16 rounds are slated for March 19, April 2, and April 16, 2025, individually.
The competition’s organization and the events’ seamless execution are the goals of these planned schedules, which would improve Nigerian football fans’ experience.
