NPFL Referees to Use Communication Gadgets Next Season

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to modernize its refereeing system by introducing communication gadgets for referees starting from the 2024-2025 season.

Currently, NPFL referees rely on face-to-face communication during games, which can lead to delays and miscommunication.

League chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye announced the new initiative, during an interview with the media. “There is no perfect league anywhere in the world, and we are still going through the development stages. By next season, we are going to introduce some gadgets for referees,” Elegbeleye stated.

In addition to improving referee communication, Elegbeleye highlighted efforts to strengthen youth programs across NPFL clubs. “We are also going to improve on the youth program because we made sure all the clubs registered all their feeders’ teams as part of the club licensing last season,” he explained.

“I am happy a lot of them were in the last Nigeria’s U-17 team and we hope the youth system will become a pool of talents for the national teams and the topflight clubs next season.”

The introduction of communication gadgets for referees is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of match officiating, and bring the NPFL closer to the standards seen in top leagues around the world.