NPFL Chairman, Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, has lauded the quality of officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League, describing Nigerian referees as "among the best in the world."
The commendation came during Elegbeleye's comprehensive review of the 2024-25 NPFL season, where he highlighted the significant progress made in refereeing standards across the league.
"I've travelled around the world and witnessed some shocking officiating decisions—something you hardly see in the NPFL," Elegbeleye stated. "That's why I confidently say our referees are among the best globally."
The NPFL chairman pointed to international recognition as evidence of Nigerian referees' growing reputation, noting: "At the just concluded U-20 Championship in Egypt, a Nigerian referee was involved and another has been shortlisted for the upcoming WAFCON. This shows clear progress."
While acknowledging that there remains room for improvement, Elegbeleye expressed optimism about the trajectory of officiating standards in Nigerian football. He also emphasized the importance of media partnership in maintaining accountability within the league.
"There's still room for improvement, but we're growing. We also count on the media to help us highlight any irregularities and keep the league accountable," he added.
Elegbeleye's comments reflect the NPFL's commitment to enhancing all aspects of the domestic league, with quality officiating being a cornerstone of fair competition and credibility in Nigerian football.
The chairman's remarks come as the league prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season, with stakeholders looking to build on recent improvements in organization, officiating, and overall competition quality.
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