FIFA Appoints Four Nigerian Referees: 2014 World Cup

Stakeholders and sports analysts in Rivers State have lauded FIFA over the appointment of four Nigerian referees to officiate at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, Africa zone qualifier.

The chairman of Nigeria Referees Association, Rivers State chapter, Ere Dokubo said that the development was well deserved.

According to him, Nigerian referees had the potentials to officiate in World Cup proper. He said that the appointment was not new to Nigeria.

A sport analyst, Jim Odede-Opiki also commended FIFA for recognising the quality of Nigerian referees, adding that it was a reflection that the nation’s football was developing.

“This is a good development, It demonstrates that our referees are improving and this will spur other referee to put in their best for them to be selected”, Opiki said

Tonye Chuku  of the Rivers State Football Association in the same vein applauded the apex football body in the world for the appointment.

He was optimistic that those appointed would make the country proud, since FIFA selection was based on merit.

“This is the time for Nigerian referees to show case their quality”, Chuku added.

Meanwhile, a former coach of the Falcons, Rolandson Odeh said that the appointment showed that Nigerian referees were now recognised.

“It means that Nigeria referees are becoming better in the standard laid down by FIFA, they are now recognised for their deeds,” he said.

He also said that it was an indication that refereeing had improved in Nigeria.

Odeh advised other referees to be diligent in their jobs, stressing the importance of hard work and dedication.

“Other referees should be more dedicated and hardworking towards their job because it pays,” Odeh stressed.

Tunde Disu, a former coach of the Flying Eagles, described the appointment as a good development, saying, it showed that Nigerian referees had not been neglected in the affairs of the Football world body.

Disu urged other referees to emulate those that FIFA had selected as the world was watching every action of sportsmen who could impact positively on sports.

“We usually think that the world bodies of sports are not watching, they are; that is why these four referees were selected,” Disu said.

He said the four referees should not relent in their dedication to work.

Tony Orabere