LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) has confirmed plans for its annual pre-season seminar, a crucial program designed to prepare assessors, referees, and assistant referees ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Organized by the NFF Referees Development Unit, the seminar is aimed at sharpening officiating standards, improving fitness levels, and enhancing technical knowledge among match officials.
According to a statement signed by the unit’s secretary, Nasiru Ibrahim, the sessions will run daily from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. between Saturday, August 15 and Saturday, August 29.
Activities will take place at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the FIFA Goal Project, Package B.
The NRA program begins with assessors, who will have their classwork on August 15 and 16.
The first group of referees and assistant referees will arrive on August 17 for medical tests, followed by fitness assessments on August 18. Classwork, practicals, and examinations are scheduled for August 19 and 20.
The second group will undergo medicals on August 21, fitness tests on August 22, and classwork plus practical sessions on August 22 and 23.
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The third group is expected on August 24 for medicals, with fitness tests on August 25. Their classwork and practicals will be conducted on August 26 and 28.
The NRA emphasized that the seminar is vital for ensuring referees are physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of the NPFL season, which kicks off later this month.
By focusing on fitness, technical expertise, and practical application, the program is expected to raise officiating standards and reinforce confidence in match officials across Nigeria’s top-flight football.
