Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A fresh cloud of uncertainty has descended over match officials in the Nigeria Premier Football League as they face unresolved issues over outstanding match indemnities and welfare concerns, just as the league prepares for a new season. This development follows a recent shake-up in the administration of Nigerian football, which has left referees, match commissioners, and assessors questioning who will take responsibility for settling their financial obligations.
Match officials have expressed growing frustration over unpaid allowances from the 2025/26 NPFL season, including payments for league fixtures and matches in the President Federation Cup. Their basic matchday allowances range between N60,000 and N90,000, excluding hotel and transportation allowances. The situation has been exacerbated by the removal of the NPFL board by the interim leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, a move that has created confusion over the resolution of existing financial commitments.
The concerns are not new. In January 2026, it was reported that officials were owed payments covering about 11 matchdays before some of the outstanding allowances were eventually settled. However, the problem has persisted. Checks by Punch correspondents indicate that some referees are still expecting payments dating back to Matchday 26 of the 2025/26 season. One official, speaking anonymously, lamented the lack of communication regarding the delayed payments.
Beyond the unpaid indemnities, referees have also raised alarm over what they describe as unfair treatment and victimisation by the league's Referees Committee. They have accused the committee of removing experienced referees who have not reached the age limit of 45 and have passed the required fitness tests. "How will the ref committee remove a referee from the NPFL for being in the league for long, even when he hasn't reached 45 years? Isn't that wickedness?" one official questioned.
In a further sign of the strain on match officials, referees were allegedly asked to pay N50,000 each for uniforms, with a deadline set for the end of August. The officials have expressed dismay over this demand, especially since they have not been paid for last season's matches.
The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) has taken a cautious stance on the matter. Acting President, Kelechi Mejuobi, declined to comment on the outstanding payments, directing enquiries to the league organisers. "NRA cannot talk until you hear from the NPFL. They are the league organisers," Mejuobi told The PUNCH.
For the match officials who are the backbone of the league, the ongoing uncertainty has raised serious concerns about morale and officiating standards. As the 2026/27 season approaches, the ball is in the court of the football authorities to resolve these issues and restore confidence in the system. The question remains: when will the men who enforce the rules of the game finally receive their due?
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