Beach Soccer: NRA Lauds FIFA Over Nigerian Referee

The Vice President of Nigeria Referees’ Association (NRA), Tade Azeez, has commended FIFA for selecting a Nigerian referee for the forthcoming Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna, Italy, in September.

Jelili Ogunmuyiwa was selected among 23 other referees to officiate at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup slated for September 1 to September 11.

Azeez told newsmen in Lagos that the selection was an indication that Nigerian referees had improved in their vocations.

“He officiated at the last World Cup and I am sure he performed well for him to have been selected again. It also shows that we are being recognised on the international scene,” he said.

Azeez, however, expressed regret that Nigerian referees were not well remunerated.

He said the poor sponsorship of the Nigerian Premier League (NPL) was the major factor that had affected the welfare of referees.

“The welfare package for Nigerian referees is not too good and the major cause is attributable to inadequate sponsorship,” he said.

Azeez expressed optimism that the league would improve if sponsors came to the aid of football.

Former NRA Secretary Sunday Audu said that Ogunmuyiwa’s selection was an acknowledgement by FIFA that Nigerian referees had attained the standard.

Audu urged younger referees to emulate Ogunmuyiwa’s virtues of hard work and diligence.

“Ogunmuyiwa has proved that he is a man of merit, younger referees should emulate him because it is certain that Nigeria is recognised by the football governing body,” he said.

The former scribe pleaded with the government and organisers of the national leagues to put in place better welfare package in order for the referees, for them to shun bribery.

“Government should come to the aid of referees by ensuring good welfare for them, to ensure they are not easily susceptible to bribes by clubs during matches,” Audu said.