The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the outstanding performance of Nigerian referees in the annual Fédération Internationale de Football Association fitness test conducted in Abuja.

Mohammed Sanusi, secretary general of the NFF, attributed the success to the federation’s commitment to providing referees with necessary tools and support.

On Thursday, Mr Sanusi told journalists in Abuja that all Nigerian referees who participated passed, meeting the required standards for officiating in international matches.

He attributed the success to the partnership between the NFF and Premium Trust Bank, which supported the referees’ training and development in the country.

Mr Sanusi expressed optimism that the Nigerian referees will become great ambassadors for the country.

“Nigerian referees are now set to take their place among the best in the world, officiating in major international events such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

“As the NFF continues to support and develop the country’s referees, Nigerian football fans can look forward to seeing their referees excel on the international stage,” he said.

He acknowledged the disappointment of Nigeria’s absence from the last FIFA World Cup but assured that the federation is working tirelessly to ensure qualification for the next tournament.

A total of 30 referees are decorated with the badge of the world football-governing body, FIFA, thus conferring on them the authority to perform as international arbiters in the year 2025: 11 referees, 11 assistant referees, four futsal referees, and four beach soccer referees.

This consists of 22 men’s and eight women’s arbiters in all, with three of the 11 referees being women; five are assistant referees.

Full list of the referees

Referees: Abubakar Abdullahi, Kasimu  Abdulsalam, Yemisi Akintoye, Salisu Basheer, Patrick  Egba, Hannah Elaigwu, Ndidi Madu, Grema Mustapha, Abubakar Nurudeen, Joseph Ogabor, and Abigael  Olufunmilayo

Assistant Referees: Iyadunni  Stockl, Faith Agbons, Tijjani Mustapha, Tejiri Digbori, Ogenekewe Igho, Akpan  Friday, Muhamud Muhammad, Emmanuel Omada, Samuel Pwadutakam, Beauty Terah, Abdulmajeed  Usman

Futsal Referees: Alhassan  Zuru, Dung  Musa, John  Ojeleye, Ndubuisi Ukah

Beach Soccer Referees: Noah Adejoh, Olawale Fawole, Olayinka Olajide, Ahmad Rabiu.

In a related development, the newly appointed coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has begun scouting for talented players in the Nigerian leagues with a view to building a strong team for the next World Cup qualifying campaign.

The NFF has also promised to address concerns raised by the Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, about distractions caused by drumming and sounds during matches.

(NAN)