World football governing body, FIFA has presented badges to 29 Nigerian referees.
Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Referees Association, Kelechi Mejuobi, said 22 men and seven female referees received the badges National Daily learnt.
They are 14 centre referees and assistant referees, four futsal referees and four beach soccer referees.
According to him, the seven women are all football referees and assistant referees.
He explained: “From the 2017 approved referees, Abubakar Ago – from male football – Hadiza Musa – from female football – and Ushie Micheal – from beach soccer – all retired and have been replaced by three young referees – Abubarka Abdulahi (men’s football), Patience Madu (women’s football) and Olayinka Olajide (beach soccer) National Daily gathered.
“The referees received their FIFA badges from the Nigeria Football Federation officials in Kano and are available to officiate in any continental game – as well as domestic matches.”