The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to take a major technological leap with the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the 2025/2026 season.
This development was confirmed by the Chairman of the NPFL, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, during a discussion on the Sports World Platform WhatsApp group, hosted by Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR), on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Elegbeleye revealed that while the full deployment of VAR might not begin at the very start of the new season, significant steps have already been taken toward its implementation.
He emphasized the benefits of VAR, noting its positive impact in recent international tournaments such as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
According to him, the league board is now fully aware of the value VAR can bring in improving officiating accuracy and restoring confidence among stakeholders.
One of the major motivations behind the move is the increasing concern over the absence of Nigerian referees in FIFA and CAF competitions, a situation Elegbeleye believes could be partly attributed to the lack of VAR exposure at the domestic level.
To address this, the NPFL has selected a group of referees who are currently undergoing VAR training in Morocco.
The league has also directed clubs to begin upgrading their stadiums to meet the required standards for the use of the technology.
Elegbeleye acknowledged that some clubs were dissatisfied with officiating during the previous season, largely due to the absence of VAR.
He assured fans that officials who committed serious errors were sanctioned appropriately in accordance with league regulations, and that steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in future matches.
In addition to discussing the technical upgrades, Elegbeleye commended GTI, a key financial partner of the league, for its continued support, particularly in the area of referee indemnities.
He highlighted how the direct payment of referees by GTI has significantly reduced the potential for undue influence by clubs and has helped elevate the standard of officiating in the league.
As preparations continue, the NPFL’s leadership remains committed to ensuring that VAR becomes a permanent fixture in Nigerian league football, marking a new era in domestic officiating and aligning the league with international standards.
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