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
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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