Ohafia-born young referee, Dominion Chisom Kalu, has successfully completed the prestigious 2025 FIFA Member Association (MA) Refereeing Course, earning his place among Nigeria’s most promising officiating prospects.
ABN TV reports that the programme, organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in collaboration with FIFA, was held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, from 8th to 19th June 2025.
According to information published on the official NFF website, this year’s course was part of a double-salvo FIFA initiative designed to enhance the technical, tactical, and physical competencies of both experienced refereeing instructors and emerging young referees. Dominion was one of 40 young talents carefully selected nationwide to undergo rigorous classroom and on-field sessions aimed at grooming future international referees.
The FIFA MA course is globally recognized for equipping referees with modern techniques, comprehensive understanding of updated laws of the game, and the physical conditioning required to officiate at the highest levels. Dominion’s selection underscores not only his dedication and skill but also the growing recognition of officiating talents from Abia State and Ohafia in particular.
The intensive programme featured daily practical training, tactical analysis, and deep dives into crucial officiating elements such as penalty area incidents, tactical fouls, handball interpretations, offside rulings, and the use of VAR technologies. Under the supervision of FIFA’s Technical Instructor Ali Mohamed Ahmed, Fitness Instructor Boubaker Hanachi, and seasoned Nigerian instructors including Felicia Okwugba and Peter Edibe, participants like Dominion honed their skills to meet international standards.
Dominion’s performance reportedly attracted positive reviews from both local and FIFA instructors, with commendations for his quick decision-making, sharp positioning, and fitness level. These qualities are expected to pave the way for his future involvement in elite national and international matches.
In a brief chat with our correspondent after the programme, Dominion expressed profound gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the opportunity, as well as to his mentors and supporters who have inspired his officiating journey. He also called on other young Nigerians passionate about refereeing to stay focused and take advantage of development opportunities offered through the NFF and FIFA initiatives.
Football stakeholders across the country have described Dominion’s achievement as a testament to the success of grassroots referee development programmes and a beacon of hope for young referees aspiring to represent Nigeria on the world stage.
