NFF suspends referee, Usman, assessor indefinitely 

NFF suspends referee, Usman, assessor indefinitely 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended indefinitely, referee Ishaya Usman from Gombe State and the match assessor from all football matches.

According to a statement signed by Mohammed Ameenu on behalf of the Chairman, NFF Refereeing Development Committee, the suspended referee will no longer officiate any match until further notice.

The statement blamed the referee for ignoring a glaring penalty situation that adversely affected the outcome of the match between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors on January 19, 2026.

"Such an action was adjudged not in line with the provisions the Laws of the Game," the statement added.

"Similarly, the Referee Assessor for the match was found to have neglected virtually every of his duties and responsibilities to the team of Referees as his reports did not reflect any incidence or situation of match debriefing as well as what was debriefed.

"These actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute."

The statement concludes that "you have both been suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect from all league and other football matches."