AWC Sports Desk
Nigeria’s long-running struggle with corruption has again come under sharp focus, this time within the nation’s football administration, following the glaring absence of a single Nigerian referee at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where 68 referees officiated without Nigeria’s representation.
Stakeholders and analysts say the development is not a reflection of a lack of talent but a symptom of deep-rooted governance failures, compromised selection processes, and weak accountability structures within Nigeria’s football system.
According to informed observers, tackling corruption in football administration requires a clear “carrot and stick” approach—one that combines firm sanctions with meaningful incentives. Officials found culpable of bribery, favoritism, manipulation of selections, or administrative malpractice should be promptly investigated and dismissed, with criminal matters referred to relevant anti-corruption agencies.
At the same time, experts insist that integrity and competence must be actively rewarded. High-performing referees and administrators who demonstrate professionalism, transparency, and international-standard competence should be promoted, supported, and fast-tracked for continental and global exposure. Rewarding excellence, they argue, is as important as punishing misconduct.
The total absence of Nigerian referees at AFCON has been described as a national embarrassment and a red flag pointing to possible systemic exclusion, poor referee development, or deliberate obstruction driven by vested interests. Analysts are calling for an independent audit of referee training, nomination, and international engagement processes over the past decade to identify where the system has failed.
There are also renewed demands to professionalise football administration by insulating it from patronage and political interference. Appointments, promotions, and nominations, stakeholders say, must be based strictly on merit, track record, and measurable performance benchmarks.
Transparency remains central to the proposed reforms. Experts advocate for the publication of referee development programmes, funding allocations, and international nominations, all subject to independent oversight, to rebuild confidence and credibility.
Ultimately, reform advocates stress that Nigerian football will only regain respect when a clear message is enforced: corruption ends careers, while performance builds them. Until integrity is rewarded and malpractice punished without fear or favour, they warn, Nigerian football risks continued marginalisation on the continental and global stage.
