Honourable Kelechi Mejuobi, an Imo-based newspaper publisher, has assumed office as Acting President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA) following the death of its National President, Honourable Sani Zubairu (FIFA RTD).
The development was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and State Executive Committees (SEC) of the Association held on March 31, 2026.
The meeting was convened primarily to formally notify members of Zubairu’s demise, which was described as a huge loss to the refereeing community in Nigeria.
In line with the provisions of the NFRA statute, Mejuobi, who was Deputy President, stepped in as Acting President to complete the tenure of the late football administrator.
In his acceptance speech, Mejuobi expressed appreciation to members of the NEC, Full Executive Committee (FEC), and the General Assembly for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to provide open, diligent, and inclusive leadership.
He said his administration would continue with the “Rediscover NFRA Agenda,” a reform framework initiated with the late President to reposition the Association for efficiency, credibility, and relevance.
To ensure continuity, the NEC resolved that all appointments made under the late Zubairu would remain in force, including zonal coordinators, the Special Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Zailani, and all ad-hoc committees, especially the Constitution Review Committee.
The Association also approved the full reactivation of its standing committees, including grading, assessment and examination; ethics and disciplinary; protocol and publication; and finance committees, to strengthen operational efficiency.
As part of efforts to improve its financial base, the NFRA said it would establish a Marketing and Sponsorship Committee to explore corporate partnerships and alternative revenue streams beyond annual registrations and rebates.
On modernization, the communiqué disclosed plans to develop an official website to drive digital membership registration, online examinations, and enhance the Association’s visibility locally and internationally.
The meeting expressed concern that Nigerian referees have not officiated in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or elite FIFA/CAF competitions since 2006, mandating the grading and assessment committee to propose strategies to address the gap.
On welfare, members were urged to prioritise regular medical check-ups amid rising deaths within the refereeing community, while the Welfare Committee was tasked with developing support initiatives for members and their families.
The NFRA also reiterated its commitment to integrity in officiating and collaboration with league bodies including the NPFL, NNL, NLO, and the Nigeria Women Football League, while approving plans to immortalise past leaders through initiatives such as the “Sani Zubairu Cup” and annual referee awards.
