Ado Salisu
The fitness test and seminar on the new football laws for referees and assessors from the northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has officially commenced in Kano ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigerian National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) seasons.
The programme, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is part of his administration’s commitment to sports development and the promotion of excellence in officiating across all tiers of football.
Speaking during the event, the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge (FIFA), who also serves as the Vice President (North-West) of the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), said the activities began with fitness tests for female referees and assessors.
According to him, the physical fitness race was held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, where successful participants will continue with the programme, while those who failed will return to their respective states.
“Participants were drawn from 19 northern states and the FCT. Key stakeholders and special guests expected at the event include the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the President of the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), Alhaji Sani Zubair,” Fagge explained.
He expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continued support and cooperation.
The annual evaluation and training programme, organized by the NFF Referees’ Committee, is mandatory for all NNL and NLO referees and assessors. It aims to improve the standard of officiating and ensure adherence to modern football rules and fitness requirements.
The programme, which runs from November 7th to 17th, 2025, was officially declared open by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk.