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NFF Disciplinary Committee Suspends Two Referees Over Misconduct

Posted : 02 January 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has indefinitely suspended two referees following controversial decisions in separate Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 19 fixtures, including Rangers International’s defeat to Rivers United.

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee confirmed that officials Moukhtar Bashir and Emmanuel Ocheme have been barred from officiating the league and all other football matches after their decisions were found inconsistent with the Laws of the Game and deemed to have affected match outcomes.

The high-profile incident occurred during Rivers United’s 1-0 victory over Rangers International on 29 December 2025 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Boluwaji Sholumade scored in the 52nd minute, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial stoppage-time decision. A long throw caused confusion in Rivers’ defense, allowing Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu to score, but referee Bashir disallowed the goal. After reviewing video evidence, the NFF concluded there was no justification for the call, leading to Bashir’s suspension.

Rangers head coach Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh had strongly criticized the officiating, calling for a review of the match. Rivers’ win maintained their position atop the NPFL table at the halfway stage, while eight-time champions Rangers remain sixth.

In a separate matchday 19 fixture, referee Emmanuel Ocheme was suspended following Ikorodu City’s clash with Remo Stars. Ocheme failed to award a clear penalty after a defender deliberately handled the ball inside the penalty area. The committee said the decision directly impacted the result and violated the Laws of the Game, leading to Ocheme’s indefinite suspension.

The NFF emphasized that these sanctions are part of ongoing efforts to curb refereeing errors and preserve the integrity of the NPFL during the 2025–26 season.

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