NFF Suspends Two Referees Indefinitely Over Disallowed Kwara United Goal Against Rangers

Posted : 12 November 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has indefinitely suspended two match officials following a controversial refereeing decision during the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 12 encounter between Rangers International and Kwara United.

Referee Abdulrasheed Jimoh and assistant referee Adamu Zakari have been removed from all league and other refereeing activities. They have also been delisted from the 2026/2027 NPFL referees and assistant referees' list.

The disciplinary action followed a review of Sunday's encounter at the Awka Township Stadium, where Rangers secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United.

The controversy occurred in the 78th minute when Kwara United forward Alex Jerry appeared to have scored an equaliser. However, the goal was disallowed after the assistant referee flagged an alleged foul throw during the attacking move.

The decision frustrated the visitors, who were attempting to recover from Rangers' first-half advantage. The Flying Antelopes had taken the lead five minutes before half-time through Victor Chimezie, who finished from a tight angle after receiving a pass from Pius Igwe.

Kwara United continued searching for an equaliser but could not find a breakthrough before the final whistle.

In a disciplinary letter dated November 9, 2026, the NFF Refereeing Development Committee described the disallowed effort as a validly scored goal.

The committee criticised the officials for cancelling the goal following what it described as a purported foul throw. It further stated that the decision affected the scoreline and outcome of the match while bringing Nigerian refereeing and football into disrepute.

Consequently, the committee ordered both officials to step down immediately from their duties and remain suspended indefinitely.

The letter was signed by Mohammed Ameenu, Secretary of the NFF Refereeing Development Committee and Head of the Refereeing Development Unit.

The punishment represents a significant disciplinary response to an officiating error in a closely contested league fixture. It also brings renewed attention to the standards of refereeing in the NPFL and the need for greater accuracy in decisions that can influence match results.

For Kwara United, the disallowed equaliser proved costly as they left Awka without a point. Rangers, meanwhile, retained their advantage to secure all three points and strengthen their position in the league standings.

Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu described the encounter as a difficult contest, while praising his players for securing the victory against a side they had struggled to defeat in previous seasons.

The NFF's decision reinforces the consequences of serious officiating errors as the 2026/2027 NPFL campaign continues.

NFF Suspends Two Referees Indefinitely Over Disallowed Kwara United Goal Against Rangers

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