The Nigeria Football Federation has indefinitely suspended two referees, Kolawole Emmanuel and Joshua Amao, for controversial officiating during the Nigeria Professional Football League match between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars on February 16, 2025.
In a statement released by the NFF Refereeing Development Committee/Unit, the officials were sanctioned for awarding penalties that were not in line with the Laws of the Game, ultimately affecting the outcome of the match.
The NFF also reprimanded the Referee Assessor for failing to report the errors and attempting to justify them.
The statement, signed by Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the NFF Referees’ Committee Chairman, emphasised that the referees’ actions brought the game into disrepute.
As a result, they have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from officiating NPFL matches.
The decision has been communicated to the affected referees through the Kwara State Football Association.
The NFF also copied the President, General Secretary, and Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL on the suspension notice.
This action reflects the NFF’s commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigerian football by ensuring referees adhere to the highest officiating standards.
