The fitness test and seminar on new football laws for referees and assessors from northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have officially begun in Kano State, ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigerian National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) seasons.
The programme, approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to sports development and excellence in football officiating across all levels of the game.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge, who also serves as the Vice President (North-West) of the Nigerian Referees Association, xplained that the programme commenced with fitness tests for female referees and assessors.
He said the physical evaluation took place at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, where successful candidates would proceed with the training, while those who did not meet the required standard would return to their respective states.
Fagge commended the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continuous support, describing their contributions as vital to the progress of football development in the state and beyond.
The annual evaluation and training programme, organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees’ Committee, is mandatory for all referees and assessors participating in the NNL and NLO leagues. It is designed to enhance officiating standards, promote fitness, and ensure full compliance with modern football laws.
The weeklong event, scheduled to run from November 7 to 17, 2025, was officially declared open by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk.
