Nigeria, April 25 -- As Nigeria's football season enters a crucial period, a strong warning has come from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Referees across the country's top leagues-the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and even the Nationwide League (NLO)-have been told in clear terms: uphold fairness and integrity, or face serious consequences.

This new directive, issued by the NFF Refereeing Development Committee on Wednesday, comes at a time when match outcomes are becoming more important than ever in the race for titles, promotion, and survival.

The Federation is worried that some referees may be under pressure from clubs or agents to favour certain te...