Abuja: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Development Committee says no fewer than 200 referees have so far survived the ongoing pre-season fitness test ahead of the 2026/27 football season. Faith Irabor, Chairman of the committee, disclosed this in Abuja while assessing the progress of the exercise, saying the test had exposed referees who were not sufficiently prepared for elite level officiating.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, about 254 referees were initially expected to participate in the exercise, but the number had dropped to below 200. Irabor mentioned that the committee had achieved its goal, noting that the test eliminated those who were not serious. She highlighted the importance of preparedness, pointing out that failing in lap seven when 12 laps were required showed a lack of preparation.
Referees were selected for the exercise based on their consistency, physical fitness, technical ability, and psychological readiness. This was only the preliminary stage, and successful referees are expected to undergo theoretical and practical sessions on the Laws of the Game. Irabor explained that referees would practice what they have learned when the league starts.
Medical screening has been strengthened to ensure referees are medically fit before participating in the demanding fitness exercise. Referees must undergo medical examinations, including ECG and echocardiogram tests, at recognized government hospitals before participating. Irabor stated that these medical reports were reviewed by medical personnel at the venue before referees were cleared for the exercise.
The committee is considering further measures to ensure comprehensive medical examinations at designated hospitals in Abuja for future fitness tests. Emmanuel Miere, FIFA/CAF National Referee Fitness Coach and Instructor for Nigeria and WAFU B, attributed the high number of failures partly to inadequate off-season preparation by some referees. He stressed the importance of maintaining fitness throughout the year and advised referees to train according to their individual fitness levels.
Miere emphasized the importance of proper nutrition before fitness tests, stating that referees needed adequate energy during the exercise. He commended the medical team for its response during the exercise and insisted on the presence of a functional ambulance before any fitness test could begin. Miere noted the improvement in the quality of the exercise compared to the previous season due to a stricter approach.
He expressed confidence that the referees who completed the exercise were ready for the new season and noted that the reduced number of referees would facilitate easier monitoring of their performances during the season.