Sports
Zubairu Lauds FIFA, NFF For Training Approval
… 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.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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