Nigeria Premier League moves closer to VAR introduction

Nigeria’s domestic football could soon enter a new technological era after officials confirmed fresh plans to introduce the Video Assistant Referee system into the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Nigeria Premier Football League board said preparations are underway for the deployment of VAR during the 2025-26 season as authorities attempt to improve officiating standards and restore confidence in domestic competitions.

NPFL chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye disclosed that referees have already been shortlisted for specialised VAR training in Morocco, while clubs have been instructed to upgrade stadium facilities to meet the technical requirements needed for the technology.

League officials acknowledged that controversial refereeing decisions have damaged the image of Nigerian football in recent years, with growing pressure from supporters, clubs and administrators for stronger accountability in officiating.

The move is also viewed as part of a wider effort to improve Nigeria’s standing within international football administration after no Nigerian referee or VAR official was included on FIFA’s list for the 2026 World Cup. Analysts and stakeholders have described the omission as evidence of deeper structural shortcomings in referee development within the country.

Elegbeleye said the league had already begun modernising officiating through the introduction of communication gadgets for referees and now intended to take the next step with full VAR integration.

The implementation, however, is expected to face financial and logistical challenges. League authorities admitted the cost of VAR equipment remains significant, with the NPFL actively seeking sponsorship support to procure the required systems.

Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau had previously promised that VAR would be introduced before the end of his first tenure in office in 2026, insisting the process would be gradual but achievable.

If successfully deployed, Nigeria would join a growing number of African leagues using VAR technology to assist referees in key decisions involving goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity incidents. Supporters of the initiative believe the technology could help improve the credibility and competitiveness of Nigerian football domestically and on the continental stage.