Sports

FIFA’s Approval of 30 Nigerian Officials for Int’l Duties Signals Promising Prospects

Published

1 year ago

December 15, 2023

Joel Ajayi

In a groundbreaking move that signals a new era for Nigerian football, FIFA has placed 30 match officials from Nigeria on its list for the 2024 football calendar. This announcement not only signifies a major achievement for Nigerian referees, but it also serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to excellence in sports officiating.

In response to the news, Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh expressed his delight, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Nigerian sports officials.

Senator Enoh is at the forefront of a strong commitment to enhance Nigeria’s sports profile. His visionary leadership and passion has been instrumental in building the nation’s standing in the world of football.

Nigeria, known for its passionate football culture, has long been a breeding ground for talented players, but the recognition of its match officials on the global stage is a significant achievement, especially after recent snubs in continental and global showpieces. The placement of 30 Nigerian referees and assistants on FIFA’s list speaks volumes about the country’s dedication to producing high-caliber football officials.

In the aftermath of CAF’s snub of Nigeria in its list of 85 match officials for training for the forthcoming AFCON, Minister of Sports Development, Senator Enoh immediately called for an emergency meeting with the Nigerian Football Federation on the 15th of September for drastic measures to be taken. In the meeting the Minister stated that he was treating officiating in Nigeria as an emergency and everything possible will be done to resuscitate it.

Before the start of the league season,, he also met with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), NFF Referees Committee and voiced the need to reposition the country’s ratings through better officiating. He sounded a strong warning that any referee found wanting will be immediately shown the exit door.

On October 6th, Enoh held a strategic meeting with the executive members of the NFF and NRA to discuss referee education and development, the need for recommitment and avenues to improve ratings. This was a follow-up to the earlier engagement with key stakeholders. Again, he reiterated what must be done urgently and deliberately, in conjunction with all stakeholders, to rebuild the reputation of match officials. The next in the series was another parley on October 11th, on the state of Nigerian football. The domestic league, national teams, officiating, grassroots, etc.

While it is still early days, there is a need to modestly celebrate the small wins, as the engines continue to work, to ensure Nigerian officials gain a stronger reputation on the global football map. The league has recorded some impressive results that calls for saluting the performance of officials. Kano Pillars scored 5 away from home, Plateau United scoring 3 in Kaduna, modest teams Like Doma and Remo doing impressively well without getting blighted by the traditional big guns, amongst others.

One of the key mantras Senator Enoh is championing, is the comprehensive training and development programs for referees across the country. Recognizing the crucial role referees play in the integrity of the game, he has consistently advocated for investments in their education and skill enhancement.

As a new chapter opens for Nigerian sports, he highlighted the government’s support for sports development initiatives, ensuring that Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with in the global sports arena. In a week where Nigerian stars (Osimhen, Oshoala, Nnadozie, the Super Falcons) shone on the continent, the country is on the cusp of greatness.

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

3 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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