July 04, (THEWILL) – No fewer than 115 Nigerian referees have been selected to undergo a rigorous 15-day training programme, conducted by FIFA refereeing instructors.
The training aims to elevate the skills and abilities of the Nigerian referees, enabling them to be considered for major FIFA and CAF assignments. This initiative comes in response to the lack of Nigerian referees officiating at the FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations in recent years. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, hopes that the instructors would provide continuous support and guidance to the referees to ensure their improvement and success.
Led by Gladys Lengwe from Zambia, a team of FIFA instructors comprising Houssein Ali Mohamed from Djibouti, Said Nouri from Morocco, and Bento Navesse from Mozambique, has arrived in Nigeria to oversee the Women Referees Course, Futsal Referees Course, and Elite Men Referees Course. The Women Referees Course and Futsal Referees Course, which commenced on Saturday, are scheduled to conclude on Thursday, July 6.
The Elite Men Referees Course is set to be held from July 9, to 15. These intensive training programmes aim to enhance the capabilities of Nigerian referees across different categories, with the ultimate goal of ensuring their regular inclusion in major international tournaments. Gusau is determined to have Nigerian referees recognised and appointed for significant football assignments.
The NFF President acknowledged the frustration caused by the absence of Nigerian referees on the global stage and urged the FIFA refereeing instructors to go beyond the usual training courses and provide ongoing communication, encouragement, support, and invaluable tips to the Nigerian referees. This will facilitate their continuous improvement and eventual ascent to the top echelons of international football refereeing.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
