The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Gbenga Elegbeleye, has announced that the league board, in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has shortlisted 10 computer-literate indigenous referees for VAR training in Morocco.

Elegbeleye explained that the initiative is aimed at enhancing officiating standards and aligning the league with modern global practices as part of ongoing efforts to raise the NPFL?s overall quality.

?The next level now is that we want to advance to the level of having a VAR here (in the league).

?The Federation shortlisted 10 of our referees who are computer literate to go to Morocco for training.

?We as a league body had an online meeting with the manufacturers of VAR and the producers of the machine.

?First, before you can use it, you must be able to use communication gadgets. You don?t have to go all out to look at the screen all the time. You can communicate with those behind the machine, and they will guide your decision.?

He further emphasised the need for sponsors for the procurement of Video Assistant Referee machines to enhance officiating in the Nigerian topflight?.

It is worth noting that, over the years, both FIFA and CAF have consistently overlooked Nigerian referees for officiating duties in their various competitions. (Daily Trust)

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