NPFL24: “AFCON, Where are Nigeria referees? I rest my case” – Monday Odigie

Head coach of Bendel Insurance, Monday Odigie has named horrendous officiating as the reason why Nigeria referees were not called up for the Africa Cup of Nations, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.

Speaking after a 1-0 loss to Sporting Lagos in matchday 20 of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Odigie did not mince words as he opined how no one is talking about the poor officiating.

“We saw it. Officiating in Lagos, no one is talking about it. AFCON, Where are Nigeria’s referees? I rest my case.” Odigie said.

Bendel Insurance conceded in the 56th minute with Tochukwu Micheal scoring a direct freekick from the edge of the box, to beat Amas Obasogie. However, the captain, Amas and the players in green were not having any of it as they all appealed for a handball in the build-up to the goal, the centre referee, Madaki Abdulmalik turned deaf ears to their appeals.

Unhappy with other calls from the referee, on Monday Odigie faulted Abdulmalik as he explained how poor officiating affected Bendel Insurance and cost them the game.

“When distractions start coming, inexperienced players can hardly hold their own. We could see what led to the goal. Inconsistent calls were being made, players were being kicked, referee was not blowing, this would hinder positive football in Nigeria.

“What I stand for is not win at all cost, it is play to improve the quality of football in the league. Let the players become quality and valuable in Nigeria,” Odigie said in his post-match interview.

“We all saw the game, I will not talk about them. You know,” He added