Recognition for Nigerian referees excites FIFA Edibi
Nigeria’s foremost referee, Peter Edibi yesterday told Daily Trust that it gladdens his heart that some of the country’s umpires have been named to take charge of upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
It was announced yesterday that 4 Nigerian women referees will take charge of a 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, which has been rescheduled for this weekend by the Confederation of African Football which comes after 4 male referees were selected for the Guinea Bissau against Liberia game.
Edibi who became a referee at the age of 13 before going on to officiate in various FIFA organised tournaments including 2013’s World clubs Cup in Morocco also added that Nigeria’s officials could be as good as the ones from other countries if given the required opportunities.
“I’m really happy about it because it’s great when one gets international recognition for what he does and before the announcement of the women referees there was that of the men who will also take charge of another world cup qualifier in Guinea Bissau on October 13 so it’s a step in the right direction” the Cross River born referee said.
Referee Uloma Nwogu will be the centre official for this weekend’s clash in Ouagadougou, with Hulda Nwokocha as first assistant and Mimisen Iyorhe as second assistant. Another Nigerian, Folusho Ajayi will be the reserve referee.
The match is the third round, first leg of the race to the 2016 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea.