A seasoned journalist, football administrator, and media expert, Kelechi Mejuobi, has officially assumed office as Acting President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA) following the death of its former president, Sani Zubairu.
The announcement was made in a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting of the Association’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and State Executive Committees (SEC) held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The meeting, convened to formally inform members of the passing of Zubairu, described his death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s refereeing community.
In line with the provisions of the NFRA statute, Mejuobi, who previously served as Deputy President, will complete the tenure of the late president.
In his acceptance remarks, Mejuobi expressed gratitude to the association’s leadership and members for the confidence placed in him, pledging to deliver transparent, diligent, and inclusive leadership. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the reform-driven “Rediscover NFRA Agenda,” an initiative aimed at repositioning and modernizing the Association.
The NFRA confirmed that all existing appointments made under the late president will remain in effect to ensure continuity. This includes the retention of zonal coordinators, the role of Alhaji Ibrahim Zailani as special adviser, and the ongoing work of ad hoc committees such as the Constitution Review Committee.
The association also resolved to reactivate its standing committees, including those responsible for grading and assessment, ethics and discipline, finance, and publications, to improve operational efficiency.
As part of broader reforms, the NFRA announced plans to expand its revenue base through the creation of a marketing and sponsorship committee tasked with attracting corporate partnerships and funding opportunities.
In addition, the association will begin adopting modern technology, including the development of an official website to streamline membership registration, examinations, and overall visibility.
The meeting raised concerns over Nigeria’s absence from top-level international officiating, noting that no Nigerian referee has officiated at major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations or elite FIFA/CAF competitions since 2006.
To address this, the NFRA will strengthen its Grading and Assessment Committee with experienced personnel to develop strategies aimed at restoring Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.
Members were urged to prioritise their health amid a rise in deaths within the refereeing community, with the Welfare Committee tasked with developing support initiatives.
The association also reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and professionalism in officiating while strengthening collaboration with key domestic leagues and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
In honor of the late Sani Zubairu, the NFRA approved several memorial initiatives, including the establishment of the “Sani Zubairu Cup” and a series of annual awards recognizing excellence among referees.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge by members to uphold unity, accountability, and professionalism while working collectively to advance refereeing standards in Nigeria.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
