Yakubu Adamu, a centre referee who officiated the matchday 37 fixture between Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance, was suspended for poor officiating by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Development Committee.
The decision came on the 12th of May, 2026, after NFF discovered that Adamu had awarded an “unjustified penalty” to Enugu Rangers, which resulted in a goal and influenced a 2-1 outcome in favour of the Rangers, who are currently in a tight title race.
Suspending referees isn’t new in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). Several referees have been suspended in the past due to poor officiating, either in awarding unjustified penalties or ignoring a clear penalty.
Lack of proper handling of a match might be the reason why some referees were suspended.
In light of this, Sporting Tribune spotlights some of the referees who have been suspended in 2026.
Yakubu Adamu
Adamu was suspended indefinitely on May 12, 2026, by the NFF after a controversial penalty decision in the match between Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance.
Terwase Chia
Terwase was suspended for the rest of the season for professional misconduct after officiating the Gombe United vs Jagawa Golden Stars match.
Despite claiming that he acted under duress, NFF doesn’t find his allegation substantial.
Benjamin Ogwoche
Suspended indefinitely after the January 2026 decision for a clear penalty in the match between Kano Pillars vs Abia Warriors.
Ultimately, the NFF Refereeing Development Committee has taken these drastic steps in ensuring its zero-tolerance stance on poor officiating.
The body reiterated that sanctions would continue to be used where decisions fall outside the Laws of the Game and also maintained that following the standards would ensure confidence in the Nigerian football competitions.
