The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Refereeing Development Committee, has indefinitely suspended two match officials following a controversial refereeing decision during the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 encounter between Rangers International and Kwara United.
The officials, referee Abdulrasheed Jimoh and Assistant Referee 1 Adamu Zakari, were sanctioned over their involvement in a disputed decision that saw a goal scored by one of the teams cancelled after what was adjudged to be an alleged foul throw.
According to an official communication dated November 9, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Ameen, Secretary of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee and Head of the Refereeing Development Unit, the decision was considered serious enough to warrant their indefinite suspension from league and other refereeing activities.
The committee stated that the decision not only affected the scoreline and outcome of the match but also brought refereeing and football in Nigeria into disrepute.
Consequently, it resolved that both officials should be stepped down and removed from the 2026/2027 NPFL list of referees and assistant referees.
### Controversial decision denied Kwara United an equaliser
The incident occurred in the 78th minute of Sunday’s encounter at the Awka Township Stadium, when Kwara United appeared to have restored parity through Alex Jerry.
Jerry found the net after a long throw-in, but the goal was disallowed following an infringement flagged by the assistant referee.
The decision proved costly for the Harmony Boys, who eventually suffered a 1-0 defeat to the defending champions.
Rangers had taken the lead in the 40th minute through Victor Chimezie and held on to secure all three points. Nigeria Premier Football League +1
The NFF’s disciplinary action represents a significant response to the controversy, with both officials now facing indefinite exclusion from league and other refereeing assignments.
The development has also renewed attention on officiating standards and accountability in the EuroMatch NPFL, particularly the importance of crucial decisions that can influence match results.
The suspension was communicated in a letter dated November 9, 2026, signed by Mohammed Ameen on behalf of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee.
