Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), revealed that the league is searching for sponsors to finance the purchase of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment for Nigeria’s top-tier league.
At an end-of-season media briefing in Abuja, Elegbeleye responded to worries regarding questionable officiating that has damaged the reputation of the NPFL, highlighting the necessity of VAR to improve refereeing precision.
While he defended Nigerian referees as some of the finest globally, he admitted that technological advancements are crucial to enhancing their capabilities.
Elegbeleye pointed out the NPFL’s advancements, mentioning the introduction of communication devices in the 2024/25 season as a move towards modernizing officiating. He remarked, “Our next goal is to elevate ourselves by incorporating VAR here.”
However, the substantial expense of VAR equipment and the requirement for specialized training present difficulties.
The league is actively pursuing sponsorship to address these costs, ensuring that referees, who need to be computer savvy, receive proper training.
Related News: FIFA Make Club World Cup Judgement Despite a Clear Issue During Chelsea Match
The Nigeria Football Federation has already shortlisted ten NPFL referees for VAR training in Morocco.
In talks with VAR equipment manufacturers, Elegbeleye explained that the successful use of this technology hinges on communication tools, enabling referees to communicate with off-field officials without needing to frequently check screens.
This method aims to facilitate decision-making and enhance match fairness. Furthermore, the NPFL board confirmed that the 2025/26 season will begin on August 22, indicating ongoing efforts to bolster the league’s operations and image.
