By Patrick Ngwaogu
When the whistle blows and FIFA referee Hannah Enakole Elaigwu steps onto the pitch, there is a palpable sense of order, professionalism, and authority. A proud member of the FCT Referees Council and a badge-holding FIFA referee since 2022, Hannah has earned a reputation not just for her command of the rules, but for the passion and discipline with which she interprets them. Whether it’s a local league game or a high-profile continental encounter, she is always a delight to watch — calm, composed, yet firm in decision-making.
Many who have watched her in action often ask: Where does this extraordinary sense of discipline and poise come from? The answer lies in her dual identity — beyond being a respected match official, Hannah Elaigwu is also a gallant officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). A member of the Inspectorate Cadre under the Benue State Command, her background in law enforcement provides a strong foundation for her excellence in refereeing.
Hannah’s journey began in Zaria, Kaduna State, where she was born. Her educational path took her across regions in Nigeria, reflecting a dynamic upbringing. She attended Oki Primary School in Lagos, before returning to Zaria for her secondary education at Inter Chapel College. She then moved on to pursue a National Diploma in Accounting at Interlink Polytechnic, Lagos, and capped her academic journey with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Abuja in 2012.
Though she chose accounting as a field of study, football always ran deep in her veins.
“My interest in the game of football started while in primary school. I played as a defender,” she fondly recalls.
It wasn’t long before her passion transitioned from playing the game to officiating it — a switch that would define her legacy in Nigerian football.
Hannah’s refereeing journey began in 2006, thanks to the encouragement and mentorship of Coach Peter Emeteole, a respected figure in Nigerian football. It was Emeteole who introduced her to senior referees like late Mr. Olowo and Dr. Omeiza, the latter now serving as the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Referees Association.
“It was these men who encouraged me to get to the level I am today,” she says with deep appreciation.
From learning the basics of officiating to refining her ability to manage tense matchday moments, Hannah honed her skills steadily over the years. Her ascent to the international scene was marked by dedication, rigorous training, and an unwavering commitment to mastering the Laws of the Game.
Behind the calm exterior that fans and players observe on the field is a rigorous pre-match routine that balances physical preparation, mental alertness, and spiritual grounding. Before any assignment, Hannah trains intensively, revises the Laws of the Game, and, significantly, commits the match to prayer.
“From the moment I get the appointment, I put the game in prayer. Sometimes I even go on fasting. This is to ensure that I remain on top of every situation.”
This unique blend of physical readiness and spiritual discipline reflects both her upbringing and her current roles — as a referee and as a law enforcement officer. It’s a model of professionalism and humility that inspires younger referees and earns her the admiration of football stakeholders across the continent.
As an Inspector in the NSCDC, Hannah Elaigwu understands structure, order, and the importance of fair judgment — qualities that mirror her refereeing career. Her role with the Benue State Command of the Corps has instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and public service.
She remains immensely grateful to the NSCDC for supporting her passion for refereeing. Their flexibility and encouragement have allowed her to represent Nigeria with pride in several FIFA and CAF-organized matches. With each whistle she blows, Hannah carries not just the badge of FIFA but also the values of the Corps — integrity, discipline, and service.
In a profession where female referees are still gaining ground, Hannah stands as a beacon of progress. Her rise to the FIFA list has made her a role model for many young women in Nigeria and beyond who aspire to enter the world of football officiating.
She is proof that gender is not a limitation in sports, especially when combined with hard work, preparation, and resilience. With her commanding presence, thorough knowledge of the game, and cool-headed decision-making, Hannah Elaigwu often outshines her male counterparts, earning praise from coaches, players, and spectators alike.
While she continues to rack up appearances in both local and international competitions, Hannah is not just focused on her own accolades. She’s deeply invested in the future of refereeing in Nigeria. She speaks often about the need for proper mentoring structures, and she dedicates time to encouraging upcoming referees, especially young women, to pursue their dreams confidently.
Her career so far serves as a clear example of how commitment and integrity can take one to the pinnacle of any profession. Whether in a CAF Women’s Champions League match or a heated local derby in Nigeria, Hannah officiates with the same zeal — ensuring fairness, upholding the laws, and respecting the spirit of the game.
With her star continuing to rise, the football world expects more from Hannah Elaigwu. As Nigeria continues to produce world-class officials, her name remains one of the brightest — a testament to what is possible when talent, training, and discipline align.
In a sport often dominated by noise and controversy, Referee Hannah Elaigwu is a steady voice of reason. Her presence on the field reassures players and coaches alike that the match is in safe, impartial hands.
She is not just interpreting the laws of the game — she is living them, setting a high bar for refereeing standards and reaffirming the power of sports in shaping character, leadership, and national pride.
