Lagos: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Commission has ramped up its training efforts for referees and football clubs to incorporate 11 changes to the Laws of the Game ahead of the 2026/27 football season.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chukwudi C. Chukwujekwu, who serves as the Head of Technical Instructors and is a member of the NFF Referees Commission, stated that these changes impact 11 out of the 17 existing Laws of the Game. Significant amendments focus on issues concerning players, substitutions, the denial of obvious goal-scoring opportunities, and time-wasting. Chukwujekwu highlighted major changes in Law 3, which pertains to players and substitutions, and Law 12, concerning the denial of obvious goal-scoring opportunities. He also noted changes to Laws 14, 16, and 17.
A particular focus of the amendments is on reducing time-wasting and ensuring that teams do not deliberately delay the restart of play. One new provision mandates a player being substituted to exit the field within 10 seconds. Failure to comply results in the incoming player being unable to enter, with the team being punished by playing with one less player until the ball goes out of play. Chukwujekwu emphasized that the rule serves as a deterrent rather than a means of excessive punishment.
Steps have also been taken to ensure clubs are familiar with the new rules to minimize disagreements between teams and match officials. The commission has engaged with all 20 teams of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to relay messages, address questions, and listen to concerns. Plans are in place to extend this engagement to clubs in the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), and Nationwide League One (NLO).
The amendments are part of global changes that were initially implemented during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The changes took effect globally starting from July 1, following their introduction during the World Cup. The commission aims to ensure that players, coaches, and officials fully understand the new rules to prevent unnecessary friction during matches. Referees will continue to receive clarifications to address any potential confusion in implementing the new laws.
Faith Irabor, Chairman of the NFF Development Committee, indicated that the ongoing referee training has shown significant progress. The training includes a fitness test followed by classroom sessions and practical exercises to ensure referees can correctly apply the new laws during matches. With the league scheduled to commence soon, the focus is on ensuring referees are both physically and technically prepared. Irabor expressed confidence in the preparation, emphasizing the importance of translating theoretical knowledge into effective decision-making on the field.
The NFF Referees Commission believes that the combined fitness, theoretical, and practical training will enhance the quality and consistency of officiating in Nigerian football.