VAR Coming to NPFL: Gusau Unveils Bold Reform Plans Ahead Of 2025/26 Season

The landscape of Nigerian football is set for a major transformation as the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has officially announced plans to introduce Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

This game-changing declaration was made during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Monday in Abuja, where representatives from all 20 NPFL clubs assembled for the official 2025/26 season fixture draw.

With the season scheduled to kick off on August 22, 2025, excitement is mounting—both for the new campaign and for what could be a new era of officiating in the country.

A New Era of Officiating in Nigerian Football

Gusau described the VAR rollout as a vital component of his broader reform agenda for Nigerian football.

He stressed the importance of accurate, fair, and transparent officiating, noting that VAR would significantly help in reducing matchday controversies and enhancing referee performance.

“Clubs must take responsibility and upgrade their home stadiums to meet the VAR compliance requirements,” Gusau said.

“This is not just about technology—it’s about credibility, professionalism, and moving our league forward.”

Compliance & Club Licensing at the Core

The NFF boss also highlighted that the implementation of VAR will be tied to strict club licensing protocols. All NPFL clubs are expected to meet infrastructure, performance, and organizational benchmarks as mandatory prerequisites for participation in the upcoming season.

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Gusau tasked the NPFL board with setting enforceable standards, ensuring that the league’s modernization is accompanied by strong governance and accountability.

—What VAR Means for the NPFL:

Nigeria Joins the Continental Trend

With this bold move, Nigeria joins the ranks of African football nations such as Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa that have already adopted VAR in their domestic leagues. The initiative aligns with CAF and FIFA’s modernization goals, positioning the NPFL for broader recognition and competitiveness.

The Countdown Begins

As the 2025/26 NPFL season draws near, the pressure is on clubs to meet VAR readiness and compliance standards. The football community will be watching closely—not just for the goals and drama—but for how well this technological leap can reshape the future of Nigerian football.

-Fixture Release: Completed
-Season Kickoff: August 22, 2025
-VAR Implementation: In progress
-Compliance Deadline: Ongoing

Written by Usman Bature