Academy to graduate 18 young referees

Efforts of Nigeria Referee Association (NRA) to have more Nigerian referees officiate in the FIFA and CAF competitions would soon yield results as a Referees Academy in Ibadan is set to graduate about 18 fresh grade one referees between the ages of 18 and 20 years.

A retired grade one referee, Hon. Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro who established the Football Referee Training School in Ibadan said that the institute established about five years ago has produced 25 young referees that would undertake grade one examinations this year, with about 50 already qualified from referee in training (RIT) to grade two.

Olaniyan, a former Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, who spoke with newsmen at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, expressed the hope that the Nigerian league would soon enjoy the services of the new breed referees whose competence is not in doubt.

“The aim and objectives behind the referee academy is to inject fresh blood into the act of football officiating in Nigeria as it is obtained in many other football playing nations which is in line with the aim and objective of FIFA.

“This would also enhance the chances of seeing Nigerian referees officiating at the international competition because there are certain young ages FIFA and CAF consider for appointment,” Akoro noted.

He however added that a seminar would soon be organize for the young-lads in preparations for the cooper test and NRA referee assessment exams where notable instructors such as Prof. Tunde Asagba, Mr. Felix Simirie, Dr. Oladipo of the University of Ibadan would be in attendances.