Rangers Leadership Urges VAR Implementation to Uphold Fairness in Nigerian Football
After a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) leaders Nasarawa United on Sunday, Rangers International FC management has called for the urgent introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the league.
This loss ended the Enugu-based club’s unbeaten run of three games and was marred by a controversial penalty awarded to Nasarawa United, a decision that has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts.
Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, CEO and General Manager of Rangers, voiced his disappointment on social media, highlighting how “human errors are undermining fairness” in the competition.
Controversial Penalty Ignites Calls for VAR Adoption
The pivotal moment came when Nasarawa United was awarded a penalty that ultimately decided the match. However, unofficial video evidence suggests the decision was questionable, fueling outrage among supporters and commentators.
Enugu Rangers took an early lead against Nasarawa United in Lafia. (Photo Credit: Rangers/Facebook)” decoding=”async”/>
In a passionate statement, Barrister Ezeaku stressed that this issue goes beyond a single game, touching on the fundamental values of fairness and accountability within Nigerian football.
“The intensity of emotions in our league is palpable-players venting frustration, fans losing trust, coaches feeling helpless-all stemming from one questionable call,” he remarked.
He clarified that the push for VAR is not a criticism of referees but a necessary step to safeguard the sport’s integrity.
“Implementing VAR is about maintaining the authenticity of football. It replaces doubt with certainty and ensures fairness prevails where ambiguity once existed,” Ezeaku explained.
Confronting the Integrity Challenges in Nigerian Football
This incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate about refereeing standards in the NPFL, reminiscent of the chaos that erupted during the Kano Pillars versus Shooting Stars fixture.
Many analysts blame the lack of advanced officiating technologies for these persistent controversies, which often influence crucial matches, affecting league standings and relegation battles.
Although the financial and logistical hurdles of implementing VAR in Nigeria are significant, proponents like Ezeaku argue that the long-term benefits to the league’s reputation and its ability to attract sponsors and nurture talent far outweigh the costs.
“For Nigerian football to progress transparently and regain the confidence of its supporters, VAR must be adopted without delay,” Ezeaku urged, challenging both the NPFL and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take immediate action.
By elevating the VAR discussion from mere fan grievances to an official demand, Rangers’ CEO is intensifying pressure on NPFL authorities to modernize refereeing standards in line with global football norms.
For the Flying Antelopes, this loss represents a major psychological hurdle as they aim to improve their standing in the league, requiring a quick recovery ahead of future fixtures.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United’s triumph consolidates their position at the top, albeit under a cloud of controversy.
This incident highlights the urgent need for a strategic plan to incorporate technology that ensures transparency and accountability in Nigerian football.
Barrister Ezeaku’s impassioned plea could serve as a catalyst, compelling NPFL officials to address the systemic challenges eroding the league’s trustworthiness.
The onus now falls on football governing bodies to pave the way for a future where technology enhances fairness and elevates Nigerian football to international standards.