NFF hammer falls on referee for penalty call errors

By Olaolu Joseph

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has stepped down referee Emmanuel Kolawole of the Kwara State Referees’ Council from Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matches.

After a thorough review of the referee’s performance during last Sunday’s matchday 24 tie involving Heartland FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), the Referees’ Committee of the NFF found the referee wanting.

A letter titled “Stepped Down From NPFL Matches,” dated 17th February 2025, and signed by Muhammed Ameenu, addressed to the referee, reads:

“With reference to your decisions that adversely affected not only the outcome of the match between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars, played on Sunday, 16th February, where you awarded penalties that were not in line with the provisions of the laws of the game.

“Your actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the game but also brought the game into disrepute.

“I am hereby directed to notify you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league,” stated the letter.

Similarly, the referee assessor of the encounter was also indicted in the letter for failing in his duty by not only refusing to report such a glaring display of impunity but also trying to justify the decisions taken by the referee.

The NPFL match in question ended 2-1 in favor of the Naze Millionaires.