Ekiti United’s Controversial Defeat Leads to Indefinite Suspension of Referee Victor Nyah
Referee Victor Nyah has been dropped from all Nigeria National League (NNL) assignments after his officiating in the match between Rovers FC and Ekiti United at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar drew sharp criticism and triggered a formal review by national football authorities.
The Week 2 fixture of the 2025/2026 NNL season ended 2–1 in favour of Rovers FC, but the final scoreline was overshadowed by a late penalty decision that proved decisive. The match had stood at 1–1 heading into the closing moments when Nyah awarded a penalty to the hosts. Video recordings circulating among supporters and analysts appear to show no contact in the sequence leading up to the call, igniting widespread debate about the legitimacy of the decision.
Beyond the penalty incident, Ekiti United supporters and neutral observers highlighted multiple decisions during the match they described as inconsistent and damaging to the visitors’ momentum. The criticisms intensified online, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Refereeing Committee to initiate an inquiry.
In an official letter signed by the Committee Chairman, Mohammed Ameenu, and communicated through the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Nyah was indefinitely stepped down from all league and domestic assignments. Copies of the letter were also sent to the NFF President, the NFF Secretary General and the NNL Chairman.
The committee’s report found that the penalty awarded against Ekiti United did not align with the Laws of the Game and had a direct influence on the match outcome. The statement noted that the decision “not only negatively affected the result but brought the game into disrepute,” adding that the referee’s actions failed to meet the standards required at the professional level of Nigerian football.
The NNL confirmed the development on its official communication channels, reinforcing the league’s stance on maintaining match integrity and accountability among match officials. The decision to enforce disciplinary action is seen within the league as a necessary step to preserve confidence among clubs and supporters, particularly in a season where transparency in officiating has been widely emphasized.
Ekiti United, who had pushed for a strong away performance in Calabar will continue its campaign in the Akwa United FC on 30th November, 2025 as the league intensifies across the country.
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