WAFU-B Leaders Happy with VAR Equipment Commitment

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and subregional WAFU-B leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, made a significant announcement that has excited football leaders in the region. During an opening ceremony of a three-day CAF Women’s Football Administrators workshop in Abuja, Gusau pledged that the NFF would acquire a truck to transport Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment among member countries of WAFU-B. This equipment is currently stationed at the zone’s headquarters in Abidjan.

Gusau addressed the critical issue of insufficient VAR training for referees in the region. He emphasized the need for collaboration with the NFF to enhance referee training. "It is imperative to address a critical issue concerning our referees in WAFU-B. One major challenge confronting our referees is the lack of adequate VAR training," he stated. The initiative aims to elevate the standard of officiating by providing both male and female referees with comprehensive VAR training.

He also urged participants, who are heads of women’s football from seven WAFU-B nations, to commit to grassroots development. "We must put in place drastic measures to harness the talent of young women players from the grassroots because that’s the only way there can be graduation from the youth to the senior level," Gusau urged.

The General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON, encouraged participants to engage actively with the workshop content to transform women’s football in their respective countries.

WAFU-B Executive Director, Mr. Philippe Tchere, expressed gratitude for Gusau’s initiative, calling it the biggest news of the week. He stated, "The offer of a truck to transport the VAR equipment to member countries is crucial for the future of refereeing in West Africa."

The workshop is facilitated by Nigeria football legend Precious Dede, along with CAF instructors, Jules McGeever and Thuba Sibanda. Other notable attendees included CAF’s Head of Women’s Football, Goshime Meskerem, and WAFU-B Women’s Football Commission President, Amina Amani. The gathering reflects a commitment to advancing women's football in West Africa, aiming for a more robust infrastructure and enhanced opportunities for female players.