In a bold move, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended referee Imamu Maliki Umar from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This decision comes in the wake of intense scrutiny following a controversial call made by Umar during the Matchday 17 fixture between Shooting Stars and Bayelsa United FC. The contentious decision led to a 1-0 victory for the home team, sparking widespread public outcry.

The NFF referees department, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and the ensuing public uproar, has swiftly instructed Umar to refrain from officiating NPFL matches with immediate effect. This resolute action underscores the NFF’s commitment to upholding fairness and integrity within Nigerian football.

The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) is expected to convene to deliberate on additional measures concerning Umar’s future involvement in the league, indicating the gravity of the incident and the necessity for thorough consideration.

The suspension of Imamu Maliki Umar serves as a consequential moment in Nigerian football, amplifying the imperative for transparent officiating and preserving the credibility of the NPFL.