NFF Indefinitely Suspends Adebayo Qudus After Controversial NNL Match

 

The integrity of refereeing in the Nigeria National League (NNL) has taken centre stage following a dramatic weekend fixture that ended with a top official facing indefinite suspension. Referee Adebayo Qudus has been sidelined by the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) Referee Development Committee, effective immediately, for what they describe as a "string of controversial decisions."

The match in question, a Matchday 19 encounter between Gateway United and Sporting Lagos on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, ended 2-1 in favour of Gateway United. However, the result was severely overshadowed by Qudus's contentious calls that left players and fans alike fuming.

The NFF Refereeing Development Committee, in a letter sent through the Oyo State Football Association, did not mince words. They found Qudus guilty of awarding an "unjustified penalty" to Gateway United, alongside "several other decisions" that unequivocally undermined the integrity of refereeing.

"Your actions and performances did not only negatively affect the integrity of refereeing, but equally brought the game to disrepute," the damning letter read. It concluded with the decisive sentence: "I am therefore directed to notify you that you have been suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect from refereeing entirely."

The Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode witnessed moments of pure disbelief during the game. Sporting Lagos striker, Seun Akanji, found himself at the centre of two particularly egregious decisions. First, a goal he scored was shockingly disallowed, despite the assistant referee having clearly signaled for a goal. When Akanji protested, Qudus promptly booked him.

Adding insult to injury, Akanji managed to find the net once more shortly after. However, the referee controversially blew for offside and, compounding the previous booking, issued a second yellow card, which swiftly translated into a red card, sending the Sporting Lagos striker off the pitch.

This swift and decisive action by the NFF's Referee Development Committee sends a clear message: that the standards of officiating and the principles of fair play in Nigerian football will not be compromised. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the immense power and responsibility wielded by referees, and the severe consequences when that power is perceived to be misused.