Gusau Champions Grassroots Growth And VAR Development in West Africa

Gusau Champions Grassroots Growth And VAR Development in West Africa

By Niyi Busari 

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation and head of WAFU Zone B, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has announced plans to procure a dedicated vehicle for the transportation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment across member nations in the subregion, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gusau made the pledge on Sunday during the opening ceremony of a three-day Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Football Administrators Workshop in Abuja. The initiative is aimed at addressing the limited access to VAR training, a key challenge facing match officials within the WAFU-B zone.

According to Gusau, the proposed truck will enable the movement of VAR equipment—currently stationed in Abidjan—to various countries in the region, allowing referees to receive hands-on training in modern officiating technology. He noted that the programme would benefit both male and female referees and help raise officiating standards across West Africa.

Beyond officiating, Gusau urged participants—who oversee women’s football development in the seven WAFU-B nations—to intensify grassroots efforts. He emphasized the importance of building sustainable development pathways that nurture young talent and ensure progression from youth to senior levels.

Also speaking at the event, Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary of the NFF, encouraged attendees to fully engage with the workshop sessions and return to their respective countries equipped with practical strategies to strengthen women’s football.

Executive Director of WAFU-B, Philippe Tchere, commended the initiative, describing the planned acquisition of a transport vehicle for VAR equipment as a significant step toward improving refereeing standards in the region.

The workshop is being facilitated by former Nigeria international Precious Dede, alongside CAF instructors Jules McGeever and Thuba Sibanda.

Other dignitaries in attendance included CAF’s Head of Women’s Football, Meskerem Goshime; President of the WAFU-B Women’s Football Commission, Amina Amani; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; and Director of Competitions, Ruth David.