NPFL rules out use of VAR for 2025/26 season
By Tosin Omojola –
Followers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will have to wait longer for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
According to the league’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Davidson Owumi, the process of adopting VAR in Nigeria is still ongoing and will not be completed anytime soon.
Speaking in Ikenne during a recent interview, Owumi categorically ruled out the possibility of introducing VAR in the coming season.
“As for VAR, it is not going to happen this season. It takes a process to bring it in, and I can tell you that while we are already working on it, it may not happen soon,” the former Rangers International boss said.
Football stakeholders and fans in Nigeria have consistently called for VAR as a means of resolving refereeing controversies, similar to what is obtainable in advanced leagues around the world.
Meanwhile, Owumi assured that everything was in place for a smooth 2025/26 season, stressing that the league body had made adequate preparations ahead of kickoff this Friday.
As part of its readiness, the NPFL recently organized a pre-season seminar in Lafia, Nasarawa State, for club media officers, security heads, and supporters, aimed at ensuring a hitch-free campaign.
