NPFL Explains Why VAR, Goal-Line Technology Won’t Feature in 2025/26 Season

NPFL Explains Why VAR, Goal-Line Technology Won’t Feature in 2025/26 Season

By Niyi Busari

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will not deploy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) or Goal-Line Technology in the upcoming 2025/26 season, due to financial constraints, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This was confirmed on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja by NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Davidson Owumi.

Addressing the media, Elegbeleye explained that the prohibitive cost of acquiring and maintaining VAR infrastructure is the primary reason for the decision.

“The cost of installing VAR is very high, and to be honest, the NPFL currently cannot afford such an investment,” he stated. “However, we are actively exploring sponsorship opportunities to cover the full cost in the future.”

On the possibility of introducing Goal-Line Technology as an alternative, COO Davidson Owumi clarified that the league is focused solely on VAR implementation, which provides broader coverage and decision-making support.

 “Goal-Line Technology only monitors scoring situations, while VAR assists with multiple aspects of the game including offsides, penalties, and red card decisions,” Owumi noted. “So we are prioritizing VAR over Goal-Line Technology, even though both remain out of reach at the moment.”

Despite the absence of these advanced officiating tools, the NPFL leadership reaffirmed its commitment to improving officiating standards through training and the use of broadcast replays where applicable.

Meanwhile, the 2025/26 NPFL season is scheduled to kick off on August 22, 2025, and conclude on May 24, 2026, in alignment with international league calendars.