In a recent meeting involving the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Nigerian Referees Association (NRA), and the board of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh expressed his concern over the snubbing of Nigerian match officials by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for AFCON 2023 duties.
Senator Enoh described the situation as an embarrassment that demands immediate attention.
Senator Enoh noted that Nigeria, being a nation with a rich football history, deserves to be represented by its match officials in the upcoming tournament.
He expressed his disappointment that not a single Nigerian official was included on the list of 85 officials released by CAF for training towards the tournament.
The situation is even more disheartening considering that two years ago, only one Nigerian official, who was an assistant referee, was included on the list, and two years prior, there was no centre referee.
The Minister emphasized that the matter needs to be interrogated, as it is a significant blow to the progress of sports in Nigeria.
He pointed out that sports holds a special place in the heart of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as millions of Nigerians.
Therefore, the President has shown great purpose in all areas, including the international image and representation of Nigeria.
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Senator Enoh encouraged all stakeholders to deliberate on the issue and find a lasting solution to the problem.
The meeting attendees included ex-Presidential Special Adviser on Sports, Daniel Amokachi; Chairman of Lobi Stars FC and ex-international, Dominic Iorfa, and Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, Mohammed Nasir Saidu.
The Minister opened the floor for discussions with different stakeholder associations present at the meeting, including the Referees’ Association, led by its chairman, Alhaji Sani Zubairu, the board of the NPFL, led by Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, and the NFF, led by its deputy Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme.
The meeting concluded with actionable points for execution towards finding a lasting solution to the issue.
