Nigeria Referees and the Challenges ahead of the new season.

By Ben Ikechukwu.

It is not in contention that referees are paramount to the game of football as well as its development. Just like the judges in the court of law, referees are final decision makers in the game of football.

Referees are saddled with the sole responsibility of executing and enforcing the laws of the game. Law 5 of the 2015/2016 FIFA laws of the game states categorically the powers and duties of the referee. This section of the law empowers the referee to enforce the laws of the game, control the match in cooperation of the with assistant referees and where, applicable, with the fourth official.

The authority of the referee is enormous as such attracts criticism and commendation as the case may be. As custodians of moral principles and fair play, It is expected that referees must ensure that they discharge this duties without recourse to biasness and prejudices.

As we all know that the game of football is all about passion. This passion can only be envisaged by the level of fans turnouts in different stadia in the world to cheer their respective teams to victory. Nigeria as a football loving nation is not an exception as the growing population of supporters is evident and overwhelming.

Referees are the final decision makers in the game of football. Referees decisions may make or mar the outcome of matches as we can see in every game. A good referee must have a first hand knowledge of the law, be able to interpret and enforce it. A referee must be psychologically and mentally prepared to carryout this function without fear or favour.

With different capacity building programmes and seminars sponsored by the Nation's football governing body the NFF, it is evidence that this training has produced a desirable result with more still to come.

However, there are still room for more improvements as we look forward for another successful outing 2015/2016 season.
Meanwhile, there are areas that calls for urgent attention as we gear towards the new season. The welfare of the referees is paramount to their high performance. The body concern must improve on the welfare package of referees to deter some of them from bribery which is capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Aside referees match commissioners and others stakeholders should ensure that accurate details are reported and should also shun corrupt practice such as bribery which may affect the outcome of games.

Referees who are found wanting should not only be sacked or suspended but should be made to face the law. The services of trained match assessors should be deployed to matches so that independent reports and situational analysis will be superb. With the capacity building going on across the country ahead of next season, we are hopeful that referees will bring their wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge to the game in order to promote our league and also increase their chances for continental call ups.