NFF Suspends 2 Referees Indefinitely Over Disallowed Kwara United Goal

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has indefinitely suspended referee Abdulrasheed Jimoh and assistant referee Adamu Zakari over the controversial disallowance of a Kwara United goal in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash against Rangers International.

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee ordered the suspension following the officials’ decision to rule out what it described as a validly scored goal during Sunday’s Matchday 12 encounter at the Awka Township Stadium in Anambra State.

Rangers, the defending champions and league leaders, won the match 1-0 through Victor Chimezie’s 40th-minute strike.

The Flying Antelopes maintained their advantage after the break, but Kwara United appeared to have rescued a point in the 78th minute when Alex Jerry found the net.

However, the second assistant referee, Zakari, raised his flag for an infringement, prompting the cancellation of the goal and sparking protests from the visitors.

The Harmony Boys pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but failed to break down the Rangers defence as the hosts held on to secure all three points.

The decision generated widespread criticism after footage of the incident circulated on social media, with supporters questioning the officials’ judgement.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, the NPFL announced the suspension of both officials in a post on its official X account.

“Referee Abdulrasheed Jimoh and assistant referee Adamu Zakari have been suspended indefinitely by the NFF Refereeing Development Committee for what it described as the cancellation of a ‘validly scored goal’ by Kwara United against Rangers on Sunday,” the league stated.

The indefinite suspension means both officials will be unavailable for match appointments until further notice.

The development has renewed scrutiny of officiating standards in the NPFL, with controversial refereeing decisions continuing to attract criticism from clubs, players and supporters.

For Kwara United, the disallowed goal proved costly as they left Awka without a point despite believing they had secured an equaliser against the defending champions.