In a surprising turn of events, Nigerian referee, Tijjani Usman Majidadi has been sidelined from officiating Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) matches following a contentious decision during the clash between Rivers United FC and Katsina United FC.
The decision, which occurred during the match on Thursday, 25th April 2024, held in Port Harcourt, has sparked debate and raised questions about the integrity of officiating in Nigerian football.
According to reports, one of Majidadi’s decisions during the game contradicted the established Laws of the Game, leading to uproar among fans and stakeholders alike.
In response to the incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken decisive action, announcing Majidadi’s immediate suspension from league matches until further notice.
The move aims to address concerns over the impartiality and credibility of refereeing in the NPFL, while also safeguarding the reputation of the sport.
Mohammed Ameenu, representing the NFF Referees’ Committee, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute.”
The decision to bench Majidadi underscores the NFF’s commitment to upholding fair play and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism within Nigerian football.
As the controversy continues to unfold, attention now turns to the broader implications for refereeing standards and accountability within the Nigerian football landscape.
With calls for transparency and accountability echoing throughout the football community, the NFF faces the challenge of restoring trust and confidence in the officiating process.
In the meantime, the sidelined referee, Tijjani Usman Majidadi, awaits further clarification and resolution regarding his future involvement in NPFL matches.
The outcome of this incident is likely to have far-reaching repercussions, shaping the trajectory of Nigerian football governance and officiating practices for the foreseeable future.
