By Olusola Alabi
As the mid-season break kicked off following Matchday 19 over the weekend, Davidson Owumi, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), reviewed the proceedings and emphasized marked improvements in various aspects of league organization.
When assessing referee performance, the former international turned football administrator acknowledged progress but noted that there were still a few errors that could have been avoided with the use of modern technological aids.
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“After 185 matches, we encountered issues in less than 15, and our referees scored over 85 percent, which represents excellence,” Owumi stated. “We recognize that football is technologically driven, and we are working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other partners to introduce technology in the league.”
Owumi also highlighted the league’s zero-tolerance policy for poor officiating, citing the swift withdrawal of those who performed poorly. He mentioned collaborative efforts with the NFF Referees Appointment Committee to organize training sessions for selected members of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA).
“We prioritized the welfare of match officials, increasing their travel allowances and honorarium while ensuring prompt crediting of their bank accounts before travel—a historic move for the league,” Owumi added.
He disclosed that referee performances were boosted by a special security arrangement for Matchday squads, mandated for all clubs.
“In the 2023/24 mid-season, we made strides in officiating improvements and will continue exploring opportunities to attain a global best rating. It’s a work in progress,” concluded Owumi.
The 2023/24 NPFL mid-season commenced on January 19, 2024, and the season is set to resume on February 3, 2024.