By Eyere Ekuta
After seven intensive days of learning, assessment, mentorship, fitness drills, practical sessions, and invaluable exchanges with some of the world's most respected refereeing minds, the 2026 FIFA Member Association (MA) Refereeing Training and Development Programme came to a memorable close in Abuja, leaving participants inspired, and optimistic about the future of officiating in Nigeria.
Held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, from June 7 to June 13, the programme brought together over 50 Young Talent Referees and more than 60 Beach Soccer Referees from across Nigeria in what many participants described as one of the most impactful and best-organized referee development courses in the country's recent history.
The FIFA-backed programme was facilitated by an impressive team of international and national instructors, combining global expertise with local experience to nurture the next generation of Nigerian referees.
The closing ceremony attracted key stakeholders in Nigerian football, including the Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Adewole Olajire, who represented NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON. Also present were Chairperson of the NFF Referees Committee and CAF Referees Committee Member, Mrs. Faith Irabor, Acting President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), Mr. Kelechi Mejuobi; members of the NFF Referees Committee; former FIFA referees; state FA representatives; and several distinguished guests from within the football family.
More Than a Course, A Statement of Intent
Several referees, including participants from previous editions, praised the remarkable improvement in organization, welfare, learning resources, and overall professionalism surrounding the programme.
Many noted that the experience had rekindled their passion for officiating and strengthened their commitment to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, teamwork, and the "Team One" philosophy emphasized throughout the week.
The Mother of Nigerian Referees Emotional Charge to the Future
Opening the ceremony, NFF Referees Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Faith Irabor, delivered an emotional address that drew applause from participants and guests alike.
Widely respected within African football circles and affectionately referred to by many as the "Mother of Nigerian Refereeing," Mama Faith praised FIFA, NFRA, and the NFF for investing heavily in referee development.
She particularly acknowledged the quality of welfare provided during the programme.
"First of its kind. Giving us a five-star hotel, beautiful kits, excellent meals and an opportunity to rub minds together. We appreciate the Federation immensely."
She also challenged participants not to allow the knowledge acquired during the course to go to waste.
"When next these instructors come, they want to see you at FIFA competitions, CAF tournaments and international matches. Don't just blend in and go home. The sky is your limit."
Her remarks resonated strongly with participants, many of whom viewed the programme as a genuine pathway toward international recognition.
World-Class Instructors and a Collective Drive for Excellence
The success of the 2026 FIFA MA Refereeing Development Programme was built on the combined efforts of FIFA instructors, national referee educators, fitness experts, and administrators committed to developing the next generation of Nigerian match officials.
The Young Talent programme was led by FIFA Senior Technical Instructor Felix Tangawarima, alongside FIFA Fitness Instructor Ayemou Ananh Jeanu, while the Beach Soccer programme was headed by renowned Italian FIFA Instructor Michele Conti, with fitness sessions coordinated by Malawi's Mark Mzengo.
Supporting them was an experienced Nigerian team that included FIFA Referee rtd Instructor and Chief Instructor of the NFF Referees Committee, Chukwudi Callistus Chukwujekwu; former FIFA referee Engr. Emmanuel Edekin Imiere; FIFA instructor and Chairperson of the Cross River State Referees Council, Cecilia Ugbuji; alongside several FIFA officials, referee assessors, fitness instructors, and NFF/Course coordinators.
Tangawarima, one of Africa's most respected referee educators, described the Abuja programme as one of the best-organized FIFA courses he has attended.
"There is nothing we requested that we did not get. Nothing."
Impressed by the quality of participants, he added:
"We have very young referees with a desire to succeed. They are going to succeed. We are not developing them only for Nigeria; we are developing them for the international world."
He further encouraged the NFF to continue investing in referee development, particularly in VAR education, he explained that modern international football relies on VAR technology and urged football authorities to ensure that Nigerian referees are not left behind in this critical area of development.
For Michele Conti, the future of Nigerian beach soccer officiating is equally bright.
"We had everything we needed, the beach, the classroom, the players and the facilities."
Despite initially being concerned about managing over 60 participants, Conti praised the discipline and quality displayed throughout the programme.
"The future of beach soccer refereeing in Nigeria will be very, very good."
He also expressed confidence that Nigeria would soon produce more FIFA beach soccer referees and encouraged greater female representation at the international level.
Adding a National perspective, Engr. Imiere shared a personal ambition during his classes that resonated with participants and instructors alike:
"My sole mission is to produce another Nigerian referee who will officiate at the FIFA World Cup before I retire completely from refereeing development."
His message captured the spirit of the programme, a united effort to prepare Nigerian referees not just for domestic competitions, but for the biggest stages in African and world football.
Gen. Fawole Captures the Mood of the Participants
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony came when the Beach Soccer Referees' representative/Governor, Gen. Oluwale Fawole, who had received special recognition during introductions from Mrs. Faith Irabor, took to the podium to speak on behalf of participants.
His remarks perfectly captured the mood within the hall.
He highlighted how preparations for the course had begun even before arrival through dedicated communication channels and praised the efficiency with which every aspect of the programme was handled.
From medical screening to accommodation, feeding, transportation and kit distribution, he described the experience as unprecedented.
"For the first time, we arrived and immediately got our kits. For the first time, we arrived on the reporting day and had dinner waiting for us. These may look like small things, but they show planning and respect for referees."
Speaking emotionally, Gen. Fawole reminded participants that the true appreciation for the organizers would not be in speeches but in their performances on the field.
"The best way to thank the Federation is to take everything we have learned here and deliver it during matches."
He further thanked his fellow participants for their cooperation, discipline, and willingness to learn, noting that the success of the programme was also a reflection of the attitude displayed by the referees themselves throughout the week.
Certificates Presented as a New Journey Begins
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of certificates to all participants who successfully completed the course.
As names were called and certificates presented, there was a strong sense that the occasion represented more than the conclusion of a training programme.
For many participants, it marked the beginning of a new chapter.
The certificates symbolized readiness, responsibility and renewed ambition to climb the refereeing ladder at both national and international levels.
NFF Reaffirms Commitment to Referee Development
Speaking on behalf of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, Acting General Secretary Dr. Adewole Olajire praised FIFA for supporting the development initiative and commended the instructors for their dedication.
Dr. Olajire welcomed the positive assessments from FIFA instructors and assured participants that referee development remains a major priority for the Federation.
He revealed ongoing plans to improve access to emerging officiating technologies, including VAR training opportunities, which are expected to strengthen Nigeria's representation in international competitions.
Importantly, he emphasized that character remains as important as technical competence.
"In every institution, they say in character and learning. Character comes first. Discipline will always take you far in life."
The Acting General Secretary reiterated the NFF's desire to once again see Nigerian referees officiating regularly at FIFA World Cups, AFCON tournaments and other major international competitions.
A Defining Week for Nigerian Refereeing
Beyond the lectures, fitness sessions, practical assessments, and certificates, the programme strengthened the bond between instructors, administrators, and referees united by a shared goal of restoring Nigeria's place among the leading refereeing nations in Africa.
Throughout the week, one message remained consistent: Nigeria possesses the talent required to produce elite referees capable of succeeding at CAF and FIFA competitions. What is needed is continuous development, mentorship, discipline, integrity, and sustained support.
As the participants return to their various competitions armed with new knowledge and renewed confidence, they do so with a responsibility to uphold the standards learned in Abuja and justify the investment made in their development. For the more than 110 referees who gathered for this landmark programme, the course may be over, but the journey towards excellence is only just beginning, with the FIFA MA Elite Referees Course set to commence on June 15.
