NFF suspends ref Bana for offside error in Doma United-Enyimba match
NFF has suspended assistant referee Aliyu Yakubu Bana indefinitely after he missed applying the wait-and-see protocol, which caused the disallowance of a valid Enyimba goal during Doma United’s 2-0 victory on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The suspension, communicated in a letter signed by Mohammed Ameenu, Secretary of the NFF Referee Development Committee on Sunday, September 13, 2026, removes Bana from the league’s referee and assistant referee roster for the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The move highlights the NFF’s emphasis on officiating accuracy and accountability, showing that clear mistakes affecting match outcomes will not go unpunished. Enyimba lost a potential goal that could have altered the result, raising concerns about consistency in refereeing standards across the league. Fans and clubs now question whether such errors will be deterred by sanctions or if further training is needed.
What should you know? Bana cannot officiate any NPFL match this season unless the suspension is lifted. The NFF may name a replacement assistant referee for upcoming fixtures. Will this suspension encourage referees to adhere strictly to protocols, or should the federation invest in more rigorous assistant referee training to prevent similar errors?