NFF must continue pushing on behalf of Nigerian match officials — LSRA General Secretary, Dele Atoun

By Mishael Emmanuel with additional reports 

 

The General Secretary, Lagos State Referees Association, Dele Atoun has expressed confidence in the qualifications and competence of Nigerian technical officials as he urged the hierarchy of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to fight for their selection for international duties.

Dele Atoun made his views known on the alarming indifference toward Nigerian match officials while speaking live on 'Inside Naija Sports', YouTube programme.

The well-versed arbiter noted that, though Nigeria has many A-level arbiters, but only one female referee has been selected for recent continental competitions, while her male counterparts have been repeatedly disregarded.

 

“In Nigeria today, we have an elite-A referee in the person of Yemisi Akintoye, who happens to be a lady.

“She may not be deployed for the men’s competitions, but for the women. Generally, though, the issue of Nigerian referees not being selected for major international matches and competitions involves a combination of several factors.

“We just need the federation to continue pushing on behalf of Nigerian referees and ensure that they badge the right people.”

Atoun also looked inwards and charged his colleagues to avoid acts of complacency that often occur once some of them get international recognition, as they usually fail to sustain their achievements.

“Those who get the badge should aim for greater height. Instead of doing that, some become very comfortable once they get the badge, and they don’t want to go higher.

“We have seen people of good potential who are badged but, when they begin to travel from one country to another, for which they are paid in dollars, it usually gets to their heads.

“At a point, their lifestyle begins to change. That’s the kind of change that can affect their fitness and physique. It can also disrupt many things that should normally advance their course as an international referee.”

The highly articulate Ekiti-born arbiter emphasized that top referees can be found in each country across Africa and the world, which makes the jostle for international duties very stiff among them all.

“The competition for recognition and selection is very tough at the top. However, it’s a position that can accommodate only very few people.

“That class of very few people needs to work hard and stay fully focused in order to be above others in all aspects. They have to show high levels of fitness, knowledge of the rules, understanding of ethics and control of the game.

“They must also be able to engage in interactions that help them to be part of the system. So, the NFF must continue to push for us to have individuals who will be part of decision makers at the top.”