The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has imposed a lifetime ban on referee Zaharadeen Nasiru and his assistant, Usman Auwalu, due to their mishandling of the Nigeria National League (NNL) week 17 fixture between Jigawa Golden Stars and Sporting Supreme in Dutse.
The decision follows a highly controversial goal awarded against the visiting team from Abuja, where a player of Jigawa Golden Stars scored with his hand. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, led to the recent disciplinary action.
In the letter of expulsion signed by Mohammed Ameenu of the NFF Referees’ Committee, it was emphasized that the actions of the referees during the week 17 match brought refereeing and the game in Nigeria into disrepute. Consequently, both referees have been expelled from the league and refereeing in general, effective immediately.
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This disciplinary measure represents the latest in a series of punishments for erring referees throughout the ongoing season. Notably, these are among the first instances of lifetime bans being imposed.
Earlier this year, at least 14 elite referees were suspended from officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Additionally, Imamu Maliki Umar was removed from officiating in the NPFL following a controversial call during the Matchday 17 clash between 3SC and Bayelsa United in Ibadan. Similarly, referee Mohammed Gata, who oversaw the week 24 fixture between Katsina United and Heartland in Katsina, was suspended by the NFF.