By Ado Salisu
The annual fitness test and seminar on new football laws for referees and assessors from the northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have commenced in Kano, ahead of the 2025/2026 Nigerian National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) seasons.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the hosting of the ongoing programme as part of his administration’s commitment to sports development in the state.
Speaking ,Acting Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge (FIFA), said the programme which includes fitness tests, lectures, and other activities—began with female referees and assessors.
Alhaji Fagge, who also serves as the Vice President (North-West) of the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), noted that the female referees had completed their fitness race test at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.
He explained that successful participants would continue with the programme, while those who did not meet the required standard would return to their respective states.
“The participants were drawn from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” he said. “Distinguished personalities and major stakeholders, including the President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the President of the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), Alhaji Sani Zubair, are expected to grace the occasion as special guests of honour.”
He commended the state government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continued support and cooperation.
He further explained that the programme will begins from November 7 to 17, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.
Alhaji Fagge highlight the annual mandatory evaluation for referees and assessors in the NNL and NLO categories is compulsory, being organized by the NFF Referees’ Committee to enhance the quality of officiating in Nigerian football leagues.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Faruk, officially declared the event open on Sunday.
