NFF Launches Probe Into Nigeria’s Football Setbacks, Referees

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has set up a fact-finding committee to examine the country’s recent setbacks in international football, following the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The committee will investigate the factors behind the underwhelming performances of Nigeria’s national teams and make recommendations aimed at addressing some of the challenges affecting the country’s football development.

The move follows the Super Falcons’ disappointing campaign at the ongoing 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria, the 10-time African champions and reigning continental title holders, were knocked out in the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the playoff for a place in the Inter-Confederations Playoffs.

The result means the Super Falcons will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the competition began in 1991.

The 2027 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil.

The NFF said the committee would look beyond the latest setback and examine broader issues affecting the performance of the country’s national teams.

Former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON, has been appointed chairman of the committee.

Other members include former Nigeria U-20 coach and President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association, Ladan Bosso; former Super Falcons captain and multiple Women’s AFCON winner, Desire Oparanozie; former Super Eagles captain, AFCON winner and World Cup star, Mutiu Adepoju; and former FIFA referee, Dr Alex Mana.

The Chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, Mallam Mohammed Nasiru Sa’idu, will serve as secretary.

Committee Members
Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON — Chairman
Coach Ladan Bosso — Member
Desire Oparanozie — Member
Mutiu Adepoju — Member
Dr Alex Mana — Member
Mallam Mohammed Nasiru Sa’idu — Secretary

The development comes as preparations also gather pace for the new domestic football season, with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) announcing its annual pre-season seminar for referees, assistant referees and assessors.

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The seminar, organised by the NFF Referees Development Unit, is designed to improve the fitness, technical knowledge and officiating standards of match officials ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary of the Referees Development Unit, Nasiru Ibrahim, the exercise will take place from August 15 to August 29, 2026, at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the FIFA Goal Project, Package B.

Daily activities are scheduled to run between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The programme will begin with classroom sessions for assessors on August 15 and 16.

The first group of referees and assistant referees will undergo medical examinations on August 17, followed by fitness tests the next day. Their classroom lessons, practical sessions and other assessments will take place on August 19 and 20.

The second group is scheduled for medical tests on August 21 and fitness assessments on August 22, with their classroom and practical sessions continuing on August 22 and 23.

The third group will arrive for medical examinations on August 24 and undergo fitness tests on August 25. Their classroom sessions, practical exercises and assessments will continue from August 26 to 28.

The NFF said the programme was part of its preparations to ensure that match officials are physically fit, technically equipped and ready for the demands of the new NPFL season.

The twin developments come at a crucial period for Nigerian football, with the federation facing calls for a review of the factors affecting the performance of the national teams while simultaneously working to strengthen standards across the domestic game.