Sports

Zubairu Lauds FIFA, NFF For Training Approval

Published

1 day ago

June 11, 2025

… As Nigerian referees eye CAF roles

Joel Ajayi

President of the Nigeria Referees Association and Head of the Referees Unit at the Nigeria Football Federation ,NFF, Subairu Sani, has applauded FIFA and the NFF for organizing the first-ever FIFA-sanctioned physical and technical instructors’ course for Nigerian referees.

He believes the program marks a major step forward in positioning Nigerian referees for future roles in Confederation of African Football ,CAF, matches.

Speaking in Abuja during the groundbreaking training session at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Sani expressed optimism about the impact of the initiative. The course, held under the 2025 FIFA Member Association ,MA, Development Programme, is designed for instructors and young talent referees and is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“This programmes is critical for the development of refereeing in Nigeria and football in general. It’s the first time we’re having a course specifically tailored for both physical and technical instructors. These instructors are like coaches; they are being trained so they can, in turn, train referees across the country”, Sani explained.

He emphasized that the course would serve as a foundation for building a sustainable and professional referee development system in Nigeria. “By training the trainers, we are creating a ripple effect that will reach referees at every level. This will enhance their understanding and implementation of the laws of the game and open doors for them on the international stage”.

Sani, a retired FIFA referee himself, acknowledged that Nigerian match officials have yet to fully attain the recognition and appointments they deserve globally. However, he remains hopeful.

“Refereeing is a gradual process it’s not something you jump into and expect immediate results. Just like education, you move from one level to the next. This course is the beginning of that journey for many of our officials”, he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the leadership of the NFF and FIFA for their support and vision. “This initiative shows that there is a commitment at the highest levels to elevate Nigerian refereeing. With continued training and support, I’m confident that our referees will soon be fixtures at major international tournaments”.

The ongoing training brings together experienced instructors and emerging referee talents and is expected to significantly enhance the technical and physical capabilities of match officials in Nigeria.

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Sports

Leadership Boost: Dr. Nneka Anibeze Takes Helm as AFN COO

Published

2 hours ago

June 12, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

In a major boost for Nigerian athletics, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, a seasoned sports journalist and respected figure in the Nigerian sports community, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

The appointment was officially announced on Thursday in Abuja, shortly after the conclusion of the AFN elections.

AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa stated that the appointment aligns with the National Sports Commission’s broader objective to promote inclusivity and inject fresh, dynamic leadership into the federation’s administrative framework. Alongside Dr. Anibeze’s appointment, Kola Oredipe was named Auditor, with other professionals also appointed into key legal advisory roles.

Dr. Anibeze brings to the role a wealth of experience, leadership, and a proven track record of contributing to the growth of sports in Nigeria. Her appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to strengthen AFN’s operations, both domestically and on the international stage.

Stakeholders across the sports sector have hailed the appointment, expressing optimism that Dr. Anibeze’s knowledge, professionalism, and vision will help reposition Nigerian athletics for long-term success.

In her remarks following the announcement, Dr. Anibeze took a moment to appreciate the critical role of the Nigerian media in advancing sports development.

Speaking shortly after the election of the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative into the AFN board, she described the media as “the most important stakeholder” in the sporting ecosystem.

> “The future of Nigerian sports is very bright,” she stated. “The media is the greatest stakeholder in sports. Without the media, it’s like blinking in the dark.”

Drawing from her extensive experience in sports journalism, Dr. Anibeze recalled covering iconic international competitions, including the 1995 World Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, where she reported on Nigerian legends like Fatima Yusuf, Mary Onyali, and Innocent Egbunike.

“Back then, sports coverage was occasional. Today, sports is big business—and the media drives that business. Without television rights, sponsorship deals, and live coverage, sports would not attract the massive investments it does today,” she explained.“The media makes sports visible, marketable, and profitable.”

Dr. Anibeze urged journalists and media organizations to continue championing the growth of Nigerian sports, stressing their responsibility in shaping narratives and driving positive change.

“Despite the challenges, I believe in the future of sports in Nigeria. With people committed to doing the right thing—and with the media actively involved—we will get there,” she concluded.

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