Sports
Stakeholders Bemoan Edibi’s Dropping From World Cup
Stakeholders in the
Nigerian refereeing group yesterday expressed displeasure at the failure of Nigeria’s Peter Edibi to make the final list of referees for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Edibi was one of the prospective assistant referees listed earlier by the world football governing body.
The referees were listed to officiate at the upcoming World Cup finals in Brazil and had since 2012 been undergoing preparations through organised courses and the officiating of high-profile matches.
However, last Wednesday, the FIFA Referees Committee announced a list of 91 referees, made up of 25 referee trios and eight reserve duos, with Edibi missing from the list.
But, some Nigerian refereeing stakeholders said that they had been hopeful that Edibi would be listed so as to break the jinx of Nigeria not having a referee at the World Cup.
Ahmed Maude, President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), said he could not understand what was responsible for the“ last-minute disappointing news’’ from FIFA.
“I don’t know what actually happened, but maybe it has to do with the team of West African countries that qualified for the World Cup.
“It may be because there are more West African countries among the African teams at the World Cup. So, they might have decided to pick referees from other African regions different from West Africa.
“But, whatever the criteria were, it was very disappointing because we had all hoped that Nigerian referees will be represented at the 2014 World Cup for the first time,’’ Maude said.
Ms Jamila Buhari, the first Nigerian female referee, said Edibi has been doing well and could not have been dropped due to performance.
“I am shocked to my bone marrow and this has become a challenge to Nigerian referees.
“This is because we have all looked forward to breaking the jinx of Nigeria having no referee at the FIFA World Cup till date.
“We have all hoped that it was going to happen this year, because he has been doing very well.
“It is a devastating blow for Nigerian referees, and I cannot say precisely why he was dropped because he has been doing so well, even at the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
“The Confederation of African Football (CAF) rated him among some of the best referees at the competition. So, it is bad news for the refereeing family,’’ she said.
Ameenu Mohammed, a referees instructor with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), said Edibi’s dropping was a loss to both the NFA and the NRA.
“It is very disappointing in the sense that we had thought we are going to break the jinx this year and have a Nigerian hoisting the country’s flag among officials at the World Cup.
“Although we feel bitter about it, but there is nothing we can do since FIFA has taken its decision.
“It is a loss to the NRA, NFA and to Nigerians entirely. But let us just consider it as the wish of God.
“However, sincerely speaking and by all standards, Edibi worked and struggled for it.
“He spent time, energy and resources to make sure he really prepared for it, and he worked within the specified standard by FIFA in terms of medical, technical and physical fitness,’’ Mohammed said.
He added however that his failure had now become a challenge for Nigerian referees to put in more effort than what Edibi did.
“Going by the records, no Nigerian referee has been at the World Cup, and this is a challenge to all other national referees from Nigeria to struggle further.
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.
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