Kanu Nwankwo

A world football govern
ing body, FIFA-badge referee, Uloma Nwogu, has called for the involvement of women in the refereeing profession to boost football development in the country.
Nwogu told newsmen in Abakaliki that refereeing was a rewarding call.
“I want to encourage women to embrace the art as it serves as a source of employment, recreation and enhancement of their mental ability.
“The number of female referees in the country is poor when compared to other sectors of the country,” said the Anambra-born female referee.
Nwogu urged women not to be discouraged by the challenges involved in refereeing but to approach it with determination, hard work and tenacity.
“The physical and mental rigours involved in the job are much but with determination, I was able to rise to FIFA-badge cadre,” she said.
Nwogu urged the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA) to embark on massive recruitment of female referees from the local government to the federal levels to encourage more women to develop interest in the art.
She noted that the involvement of more women in refereeing would help in checking hooliganism in the nation’s football.
According to her, fans appreciate the presence of female referees on pitches because they are less prone to acts that will incur their wrath.
“It will also ensure the development of more women to become match commissioners and members of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) board among others,” she said.
Nwogu officiated during the Ebonyi Federation Cup final between Ebonyi United and Bright Stars FC held last weekend in Abakaliki.