Sports
Patron Wants Establishment Of Referees Institute
Gabon national team singing the country’s national anthem before an encounter with Super Eagles of Nigeria during African Cup of Nations qualification match recently
The newly elected Chief Pa
tron of Lagos State Football Referees Council (LFRC) and the General Manager, Administration of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Chief M.K. Ajayi has canvassed for the establishment of the first Referees Institute in Africa.
Ajayi said such institute located in Lagos would be effective as Nigeria plays a robust kind of football and has over 300 referees across the Nation.
The Chief Patron further said that when fully established, the institute would involve renowned and retired referees from Europe, Africa and the rest of the world to impact knowledge on upcoming referees.
This, he said, would ensure that referees from across Africa would visit the institute for short term training courses.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Manager, Public Affairs, Alhaji Musa Iliya and made available to Tidesports in Lagos stated that Ajayi promised to lead other Patrons of the LFRC to meet sports loving governors and eminent individuals to contribute to the fund with which the Referees Institute would be built, expressing the optimism that Lagos State Government would donate the land for the project.
He expressed disappointment over the fact that Nigerian Referees do not often get appointed to officiate in CAF and FIFA tournaments as a result of politics in global referees circles.
The Patron advocated for synergy between Nigerians and referees in particular as this would bring out the best in Nigerian referees whom he described as some of the best in the world.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of Lagos State (Football) Referees Council Prince Bashir Kosoko said the choice of Chief Ajayi as the Chief Patron of (LFRC) is because he has made laudable input and impact in the affairs of Referees across Nigeria and Lagos in particular.
Prince Kosoko added that Chief Ajayi’s passion for sports and football in particular led to his recognition as one of the elders and retired referees who still find time to influence the affairs of current and serving referees.
The Chairman of (LFRC) said the chapter which has 10 Referees Societies across the state has been empowered to recognise and honour distinguished members of the society especially retired referees who have contributed immensely to the welfare of the Council in the state.
Present at the investiture ceremony is the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports, NPA, C.K Aderanti, a sports enthusiast, Deputy Chairman Adebanjo Moses Enitan, Vice Chairman, Duroshola Jumoke, General Secretary Sonabare Lukman and Secretary Badagry Referee Society Solaja Gbenga.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.