Football
FIFA Referees Instructor,
Felix Tangawarima from Zimbabwe has hailed the progress that Nigerian referees
have made in the past one year, positing that if they continue on that
trajectory, it would be only a matter of time before they start making the
grade for major global championships.
The former FIFA referee
made this observation at the closing ceremony of this year’s FIFA Member
Association Elite Programme for Nigerian referees, assessors and physical
fitness trainers held in Abuja on Friday.
“I am most sincerely
impressed by the progress that has taken place between last year’s programme
and this year, and I am not saying this just to make you feel great. There has
been tremendous progress and I am quite delighted.
“Certainly, if we continue
this way, we will soon have some Nigerian referees officiating in the biggest
global competitions. Even during this programme, a batch of referees left to
officiate a CAF Champions League match. I am convinced you are all destined for
greater things.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr.
Mohammed Sanusi, who performed the closing ceremony on behalf of the NFF
President, praised the Nigeria Referees Association and the NFF Referees
Committee for the diligence, energy and commitment they invest in training and
re-training of arbiters.
“The words of Mr.
Tangawarima are inspiring, and it means that the passion and investment of the
present NFF administration in making Nigerian referees better are not
misplaced. The NFF believes that refereeing is a principal aspect of the game
and officiating plays a key role in making or marring a football match.
“My challenge to Nigerian
referees is to continue to improve themselves at every opportunity, and to
consistently commit to thorough application of the laws of the game.”
NRA President Tade Azeez,
obviously a very happy man, disclosed that the NRA has set in motion a workable
plan to replicate the FIFA programme in the six geopolitical zones of the
country, with the objective of driving development from the grassroots. He said
the exercise will begin in the South West.
The NRA boss then unveiled
a set of attires already approved by the body for all referees to wear at pre
–match meetings for domestic and international matches as from the next
football season. The referees also made a presentation to Mr. Tangawarima.
Also at the closing
ceremony were Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme (NFF Deputy General Secretary), Coach Bitrus
Bewarang (NFF Director of Technical), Mr. Bola Oyeyode (NFF Director of
Competitions), Mr. Ademola Olajire (NFF Director of Communications) and Dr.
Christian Emeruwa (NFF Integrity Officer).
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