The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Nigerian football is gaining momentum, as referees from the country recently returned from a CAF-organised course in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, equipped with enhanced knowledge on VAR operations.
Three prominent referees represented Nigeria at the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B event.
They are retired FIFA referee and Chairman of the Kogi State Referees Council, Abel Baba, alongside active referees Joseph Ogabor and Basheer Salisu.
The course, which took place from September 1st to 6th, 2024, aimed to strengthen the participants’ technical understanding of the VAR system, a crucial step toward its implementation in Nigeria.
Abel Baba, who attended as an instructor, is no stranger to VAR technology, having undergone training in Egypt during his active refereeing career.
His experience positions him as a key figure in Nigeria’s VAR journey, as the country looks to modernise its domestic football infrastructure.
This development aligns with the earlier announcement by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Mohamed Gusau, who revealed plans to introduce VAR in Nigeria.
The NFF has already begun purchasing communication gadgets required for VAR usage in the domestic league, showing a commitment to improving officiating standards.
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