Sports

JUST IN: We’ll soon introduce VAR in NPFL – NFF

Published

9 months ago

September 4, 2024

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Misa Gusau has disclosed the ministry’s plan to introduce Video Assisted Referees, VAR in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.
Gusau made this known at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu while addressing journalists at the end of the opening game of the premier league between defending champion, Rangers International and Wkki Tourists.

Gusau who attested that VAR requires a capable hands to handle, disclosed that the ministry want to make sure that they have qualified and trained personnel that will manage it.

He, however, assured that they will start with training and retraining of personnel to ensure efficiency and quality service delivery.

Speaking on the 2024/25 season, Gusau assured that there would be a lot of improvements in the league, adding that referees will be wearing communication gadgets while officiating to provide a communication platform for referees and their assistants without going close to themselves.

“We are working on improving the league to international standard. We will soon introduce the VAR but we are concerned about training the personnel that will handle it first so that we won’t have any error while using VAR.

“From next week, you will see our referees starting to use communication gadgets. The referees will now communicate with themselves, they don’t need to go to AR to start asking them questions.

Gusau who attested that VAR requires a capable hands to handle, disclosed that the ministry want to make sure that they have qualified and trained personnel that will manage it.

He, however, assured that they will start with training and retraining of personnel to ensure efficiency and quality service delivery.

“From next week, you will see our referees starting to use communication gadgets. The referees will now communicate with themselves, they don’t need to go to AR to start asking them questions.

Sports

Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Oliseh Gets IFAB Appointment

Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

Published

3 days ago

May 27, 2025

OhiBaba

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has landed a new role with the International Football Association Board, IFAB.

IFAB is the global guardian of football’s laws, responsible for determining the laws of football, shaping the beautiful game for players and fans worldwide.

Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

He wrote: “Thrilled to announce my appointment to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)!

“Honored to contribute to its mission!”Oliseh’s appointment to the IFAB board will see the former Dortmund and Juventus midfielder work with some of football’s most influential figures, including legendary Arsenal boss, Arsène Wenger.

Sports

Future National Sports Festival to hold November/ December – Dikko

He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

Published

4 days ago

May 27, 2025

OhiBaba

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, says that the Commission is developing a national calendar that will set November and December as the fixed months for hosting the festival.

Dikko disclosed this during a World Media Chat held at the Local Organizing Committee Secretariat, yesterday.

He commended Ogun State for its outstanding hosting of the ongoing National Sports Festival, describing it as a game-changer for sports development in Nigeria.

He called on other states aspiring to host future editions to emulate and improve on the standard set by Ogun.

Dikko noted that the entire country is taking note of the impressive organization and swift handling of challenges during the festival.

“This festival is a major improvement from previous editions.

“It is normal to experience hitches in events of this magnitude, but the prompt resolution of those issues shows great commitment. This edition will serve as a benchmark for future games.”Dikko emphasized.

He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

“We are building a sports economy—beyond the games, we are looking at job creation, the value chain, and revenue generation.

Ogun’s example is now motivating other states to step forward and host,” he explained.

Sports

Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034

Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

Published

4 days ago

May 27, 2025

OhiBaba

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to partially lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales in 2026.

The change comes as part of broader efforts to align with global expectations ahead of hosting major international events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

The Economic Times, reported that alcohol will be available in a strictly controlled manner, limited to select zones such as luxury hotels, high-end resorts, and designated tourist destinations.

Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

However, there will be clear limitations. Only milder forms of alcohol – beer, wine, and cider will be allowed.

Spirits and hard liquors will remain prohibited. Importantly, alcohol consumption will not be permitted in homes, shops, or general public areas.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol.

A minor move to allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.

Prior to that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.