Irabor is a retired FIFA referee and former CAF Referee Instructor, as well as the first Vice President of the Nigeria Referees Association since 2019. In this role, Irabor will be responsible for overseeing officiating-related matters across Nigeria’s domestic leagues for the next two years.
In a recent interview, NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, spoke about his decision to appoint Irabor, saying, “if we have some women that are equally competent to do what we need them to do, at least, I feel it’s important for us to give them the opportunity because these are people that I have been part of, and I know all their characters and behaviours.”
Irabor expressed her excitement about the opportunity to bring her experience to the role, saying, “I’m excited because it is an opportunity to bring my experience on board as I have been in the field for years, as a retired FIFA referee, and a one-time CAF instructor up until five years ago.”
She also encouraged other aspiring female referees and administrators to “believe in yourself and believe in what you do.” In addition to Irabor as Chairman, the referees’ committee includes Rabiu Umar as Vice Chairman, Oba James Odeniran, Abraham Zakowi, Waziri Furo Gawe, C.C. Chukwujekwu, Bello Abubakar as members, and Sani Zubairu as secretary.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
