Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of artificial intelligence-assisted football officiating among elite Nigerian referees.

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and goal-line technology are increasingly being integrated into modern football officiating globally. However, little is known about how elite referees in Nigeria perceive and engage with these technologies. Objective: This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI-assisted football officiating among elite Nigerian referees. Methods: A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised elite Nigerian football referees officiating in national and professional competitions. Using purposive sampling, 120 respondents were selected. Data were collected with a validated structured questionnaire titled “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Football Officiating Questionnaire (KAPAAIFOQ).” Content validation was done by experts in sports administration and measurement and evaluation. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer research questions, while one-sample t-test was used to test hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: Findings revealed that elite Nigerian referees possessed a significantly high hknowledge regarding AI-assisted officiating technologies (Grand Mean = 3.10; t = 6.84, p < 0.05). They also exhibited significantly positive attitudes toward AI-assisted officiating (Grand Mean = 3.34; t = 8.27, p < 0.05), indicating strong acceptance of technological innovations. However, practical engagement and operational exposure to AI-assisted technologies were significantly low (Grand Mean = 2.17; t = -4.92, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although elite Nigerian referees demonstrate adequate awareness and favorable perceptions of AI-assisted football officiating, practical implementation and hands-on experience remain limited. Recommendation: The Nigeria Football Federation should organize regular technological capacity-building initiatives to enhance referees’ practical competence and readiness for modern officiating systems.