NFF Takes Action: Bans Two NPFL Referees, Issues 2025 Federation Cup Deadline

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) referees Ayeni Ridwan Olatunji and Abubakar Jimoh have been suspended by the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Referee Development Committee.
In response to an event that occurred 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 announcing this decision.
According to the Laws of the Game, a major penalty situation that obviously qualified as a foul—specifically, holding or pulling—was disregarded by both referees.
“We recognize the influence of your choices on the result of the game and the integrity of the game on Sunday, February 15, 2025,” the NFF statement said. Ignoring an occurrence with an obvious penalty compromises officiating standards.

Furthermore, it was brought to light that the Assistant Referee’s inability to help during this pivotal moment underscored the necessity of officiating in concert in order to maintain the game’s standards.

Given these worries, Olatunji and Jimoh will be placed on indefinite leave with immediate effect. Restoring the league’s integrity and promoting officiating improvements are the goals of this move.

Another change is that the NFF has given the Federal Capital Territory and all 36 states the requirement to play the 2025 President Federation Cup finals on either Saturday, February 22, or Sunday, February 23, 2025.

The Director of Competitions, Ruth David, made this announcement in a statement. By warning that noncompliance will result in a fine of one million naira, the NFF highlights the significance of this regulation.

The announcement explained that “unless the NFF grants exceptions, final matches are to occur solely on the 22nd/23rd.”

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Important dates for the national play-off and later stages of the competition have also been set. On March 5, the national play-off will take place, and a week later, the national draw will follow. In 2025, the 64, 32, and 16 rounds are set on March 19, April 2, and April 16, respectively. The quarterfinals will meet on May 3 and 4, and the semifinals on May 17 and 18.

By improving competition organization and guaranteeing a seamless event, these planned schedules hope to improve Nigerian football fans’ experiences.