NPFL: NFF suspends two referees over disallowed Kwara United goal

The Nigeria Football Federation has suspended referee, Abdulrasheed Jimoh, and assistant referee, Adamu Zakari, over the disallowance of a Kwara United goal during their Nigeria Premier Football League match against Rangers International in Awka.

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee ordered the suspension following the controversial officiating decision.

The incident occurred during Sunday’s Matchday 12 fixture at the Awka Township Stadium, Anambra State.

Enugu Rangers, the defending champions and league leaders, secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of a 40th-minute strike by Victor Chimezie.

The Flying Antelopes controlled much of the first half and protected their slender lead after the break.

In the 78th minute, Kwara United thought they had equalised when Alex Jerry found the net.

However, the second assistant referee raised his flag for an infringement, and the goal was ruled out.

The Harmony Boys continued to press in the closing stages but could not find another way through as Rangers held on for all three points.

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The disallowed effort sparked controversy after fan footage circulated online, with many questioning the decision.

NPFL confirmed the referees’ suspension on its X handle on Tuesday, tweeting, “Referee Abdulrasheed Jimoh & assistant referee Adamu Zakari have been suspended indefinitely by @thenff refereeing development committee for what it described as the cancellation of a “validly scored goal’ by Kwara Utd against Rangers on Sunday.”

The committee’s decision to suspend the officials indefinitely means they will not receive match appointments until further notice.

The development comes amid concerns over officiating standards in the domestic league, with refereeing decisions often attracting scrutiny from clubs and supporters.

The suspension also brings renewed attention to the responsibility of match officials to apply the Laws of the Game correctly, particularly in decisions that can determine the outcome of matches.