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

Gusau emphasized the importance of VAR in improving the quality of refereeing decisions and maintaining the integrity of the game. “I can assure you that VAR will be effectively put into use in our domestic football before the end of my first tenure as president of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2026. It will be gradual, but we will surely get there,” he stated.

To ensure a smooth implementation, the NFF plans to send referees to countries where VAR is already in practice. These referees will study its application and usage, gaining the necessary expertise to operate the technology effectively in Nigeria. VAR, which was first used in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup, assists referees in making better decisions regarding player fouls, goal validity, and red card incidents.

In addition to the introduction of VAR, Gusau also announced an increase in the prize money for the NPFL league winners from ₦120 million to ₦200 million. This substantial increase is expected to boost the competitive spirit among the teams and further elevate the status of the league.

Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting developments as the NFF takes significant steps towards enhancing the quality and fairness of football in Nigeria.