- By Paul Onehi
Bendel Insurance coach Monday Odigie believes bizarre officiating by Nigerian referees at domestic league level invariably rubbished their chances of being part of officials to the recently concluded Africa cup of Nations(AFCON).
Speaking after a 1-0 loss to Sporting Lagos in Matchday 20 match of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a miffed Odigie expressed sadness over the poor officiating.
“We saw it. Officiating in Lagos, no one is talking about it. AFCON, Where were the Nigerian referees? I rest my case.” Odigie said.
Bendel Insurance conceded in the 56th minute with Tochukwu Udeh scoring a direct free kick from the edge of the box to beat Amass Obasogie. The decision was contested by the Insurance captain and other players as they appealed for a handball incident in the build-up to the goal but the centre referee Madaki Abdul Malik turned deaf ears.
Unhappy with other calls from the referee,
Odigie further faulted AbdulMalik as he explained how the poor officiating affected Bendel Insurance and cost them the game.
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In an interview with Brila FM, Odigie noted that: “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, and this would hinder positive feeling in Nigeria football.
“What I stand for is not to win at all cost; it is a play to improve the quality of football in the Nigerian league. Let the players become quality and valuable in Nigeria.
“We all saw the game; I will not talk about it,” headed.