From Our Sports Correspondent
Ahmed Musa, captain of Nigeria's Super Eagles and forward for Kano Pillars, has criticized the officiating during the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 9 clash against Nasarawa United, labeling the officials as "moral killers." This incident occurred at the Lafia City Stadium, where a controversial goal by Nasarawa United raised concerns over multiple offside violations.
The officiating team, headed by center referee Dahiru Muhammed Kawo, made several critical errors that Musa believes undermine the integrity of the league. After the match, he expressed his discontent, stating that such officiating demoralizes players and damages the league's credibility.
Musa, who recently returned to his boyhood club alongside fellow Super Eagles player Shehu Abdullahi, reflected on his commitment to enhancing Nigerian football. However, he questioned whether returning to the NPFL was wise, given the officiating standards. “I have praised the league's progress, but the performance in this match makes me reconsider,” he said.
To improve the league, Musa emphasized the need for higher officiating standards and accountability, asserting that poor officiating could discourage other players from joining the NPFL. “If this continues, I cannot recommend the league to my teammates,” he warned.
Kano Pillars’ Technical Adviser Usman Abdallah echoed Musa's concerns, urging the NPFL to take action against officials whose conduct harms the league's reputation. He also raised questions about the lack of live broadcast for the match, which was initially scheduled to be aired by StarTimes.
Kano Pillars lost the match 1-0 and will face Plateau United in their next fixture.
