NFF President Commits to Introducing VAR in NPFL

In a significant move for Nigerian football, Ibrahim Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has pledged to bring Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This announcement was made during the inaugural retreat of NPFL management and staff held in Abuja.

Steady Progress Towards VAR Implementation

President Gusau outlined the NFF’s commitment to gradually introduce VAR to domestic football. He revealed plans to initiate the process by sending Nigerian referees to countries where VAR is already in practice. This exposure will allow them to study the application and usage of VAR, ensuring a smooth integration into the NPFL.

Assurance of Timely Implementation

Gusau assured stakeholders that VAR would be effectively implemented in Nigerian football before the conclusion of his first term as NFF president in 2026. While acknowledging that the process would be gradual, the commitment to embracing VAR technology reflects a forward-looking approach to enhance the quality of refereeing decisions.

Understanding VAR in Football

VAR, or Video Assistant Referee, is a technology-driven system designed to assist referees in making more accurate decisions during football matches. It comes into play for crucial decisions such as determining the validity of goals, assessing players’ fouls, and making red card decisions. The implementation of VAR is a global trend aimed at reducing officiating errors.

Global Adoption of VAR

VAR made its debut in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup, marking a significant milestone in football officiating. Since then, various football leagues and tournaments worldwide have adopted VAR to ensure fairness and precision in decision-making.

President Gusau’s Vision for NPFL

President Gusau’s vision to introduce VAR aligns with the global football landscape. By investing in technological advancements, the NPFL aims to enhance the overall quality of football and elevate the league’s competitiveness.

The commitment of the NFF President to bring VAR to the NPFL signifies a positive step toward modernizing Nigerian football. As the league embraces technology, fans can look forward to more accurate and fair refereeing decisions, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the NPFL.