The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee has taken decisive action against two match officials from the Anambra Referees Council, stepping the referees down indefinitely over poor officiating during a Nationwide League One (NLO) fixture between Oisa FC and Dem Daniel FC held at the Awka Centre on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

 

In a statement released by the Committee, the officials were found to have made multiple decisions that contravened the Laws of the Game, significantly influencing the outcome of the match and bringing the game into disrepute.

 

“Such a glaring display of impunity did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute,” the statement read. “You have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league.”

 

Meanwhile, the NLO Secretariat has also taken a firm stance on a violent incident involving Sky Limit FC during their match against Dromeda FC in the ongoing league campaign. According to reports, match officials were assaulted and left in a near-death situation by Sky Limit’s technical crew and players.

 

Citing rule 4.13(6) of the NLO guidelines on hooliganism, the league body announced the immediate expulsion of Sky Limit FC from the 2025 season, with all previously earned points nullified and the team removed from the standings.

 

“In the event that it’s a zonal league, any club with violent conduct shall be expelled,” the Secretariat emphasized, adding that a detailed report has been submitted to the NFF for further disciplinary measures.

 

The recent developments underscore the league’s zero-tolerance policy on poor officiating and violence, as it strives to maintain the integrity and safety of Nigerian football.