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Stakeholders in football officiating in Abia <\/a>State have called for reforms, improved discipline, and greater professionalism as the Abia <\/a>State Football Referees Council held its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Aba.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The meeting, held at the Tithe House along MCC Road, brought together referees and football officials from across the state to review activities, assess progress, and set new targets for improving officiating standards.<\/p>\n In his address, the State Chairman of the Council, Elder Ogunta Matador, highlighted key challenges facing the body, including poor motivation, declining enrollment of Referees-in-Training (RIT), lack of commitment among some members, and divided interests among trainees.<\/p>\n He stressed the need for renewed focus and dedication, announcing plans to organize mock physical fitness tests and examinations to better prepare referees-in-training for national assessments.<\/p>\n Matador also outlined strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the council, including the establishment of new referee societies across the state to expand coverage, curb the activities of unqualified officials, and address indiscipline within the system.<\/p>\n He further disclosed that plans are underway to introduce welfare packages for referees beginning next year, alongside stricter screening processes to ensure that only committed and qualified candidates participate in annual examinations.<\/p>\n According to him, the council has ensured inclusiveness by rotating its AGM across the three major football zones of Umuahia, Isiala Ngwa, and Aba.<\/p>\n \u201cReferees remain critical stakeholders in football development. Professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning must guide every official,\u201d Matador said, urging members to uphold ethical standards and embrace modern trends in officiating.<\/p>\n Representing the National President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA), the National Welfare Officer, Barrister Innocent Amuzie, emphasized the importance of discipline, regular training, and commitment to duty.<\/p>\n He noted that the national body is committed to capacity building through seminars, workshops, and practical officiating sessions to enhance referees\u2019 performance.<\/p>\n \u201cReferees must see themselves as ambassadors of fairness and justice, as the integrity of football depends largely on the credibility of match officials,\u201d Amuzie said.<\/p>\n Also speaking, Nigeria\u2019s premier female referee and FIFA\/CAF Match Commissioner, Mrs. Edith Nwankire, encouraged more women to pursue careers in football officiating.<\/p>\n She urged aspiring female referees not to be discouraged by societal stereotypes, stressing that talent and determination are key to success.<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as you are talented and committed, you should pursue your dream. Sports do not limit a woman\u2019s ability to succeed in family life,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n The AGM was attended by key officials, including the State Secretary, Mr. Iheanacho Chukwuemeka; Referee Training Coordinator, Mr. C.C. Iheamadu; Aba North FRS Chairman, High Chief Nkoro Ogbonna; Obingwa FRS Chairman, Elder Chinyere Matthew; FIFA\/CAF Match Commissioner and Instructor, Chief Eke Onyeoforo; and State Welfare Officer, Dame Priscillia Eneogwe, among others.<\/p>\n The meeting ended with renewed commitments from members to strengthen professionalism, improve welfare, and promote excellence in football officiating across Abia <\/a>State.<\/p>\n By Chinedu Kelechi, Aba<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nLike this:<\/h3>\n