Expert Blames Poor Recognition Of Female Referees On League

A FIFA badge referee, Bukonla Olisa, has attributed the poor recognition accorded to Nigerian female referees to the absence of an effective Women Premier League (NWPL).

Olisa, who also officiates at NWPL matches, told Tidesports that the league ought to contribute to the development of female referees but was not effective.

“We do not have a functional NWPL, I said functional because the league is not recognised as it should be.

“If the NWPL is functional and recognised like the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), a lot of women that are referees will come out and contribute to its development,’’ she said.

She said that the situation had led to women not usually being considered fit for officiating as the men, noting that men were preferred.

“We have a lot of women who officiate but they are not as many as the men. We also have a lot of women who are energetic.

“If the atmosphere is right, more women will be encouraged to officiate,’’ she said.

She also encouraged women aspiring to take to officiating not to relent on their dream because only those who have passion for it would find it interesting.

“The girls should have passion for officiating, they have to be determined, if not, they will not find the job interesting,’’ she said.

Olisa said that seminars should be organised for referees to ensure that they updated their knowledge.

Nigeria has seven FIFA certified women referees.