The Nigeria Football Federation has indefinitely suspended two referees following controversial decisions in separate Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 19 fixtures, including Rangers International’s defeat by Rivers United.
The NFF Refereeing Development Committee confirmed that officials Moukhtar Bashir and Emmanuel Ocheme have been barred from the league and all other football matches after their decisions were judged to be inconsistent with the Laws of the Game and to have affected the outcomes of their respective matches.
The most high-profile incident occurred during Rivers United’s 1-0 victory over Rangers International on 29 December 2025 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
Boluwaji Sholumade’s 52nd-minute header gave Rivers United the lead, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial decision in stoppage time.
In the 90th minute, a long throw caused confusion in the Rivers United defence and goalkeeper, allowing Rangers defender Chidozie Iwundu to head into an open net. Referee Moukhtar Bashir, however, disallowed the goal, triggering protests from Rangers players and officials.
Following a review of available video evidence, the NFF said it could not identify any incident or reason to justify the decision to rule out the goal, leading to Bashir’s indefinite suspension.
Rangers head coach Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh had strongly criticised the officiating in his post-match comments three days ago, calling for the match to be reviewed.
“I have a question for you, because I’m very sure that you guys watched the game,” Ekeh told reporters.
“For me to go further to answer your questions, I need to know why the equalising goal we scored was cancelled.”
He added: “I’m definitely not okay with the officiating of this game. We’re not okay with the officiating. I will want the authority in charge to review this game.”
Rivers United’s win kept them top of the NPFL table at the halfway stage of the season, while eight-time champions Rangers remain sixth.
In a separate matchday 19 fixture, referee Emmanuel Ocheme was also suspended following Ikorodu City’s game against Remo Stars.
According to the Refereeing Development Committee, Ocheme failed to award a clear penalty after a defending player deliberately handled the ball inside the penalty area during an attack down the right flank.
The committee said the decision was “not in line with the provisions of the Laws of the Game” and had a direct impact on the result.
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As a result, Ocheme was handed an indefinite suspension from the league and all other football matches.
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The NFF said the sanctions form part of efforts to curb refereeing excesses and preserve the integrity of the NPFL, as scrutiny of officiating standards continues during the 2025–26 season.
