A major talking point at this year’s Nigerian National League (NNL) Super-4 may turn out to be the quality of refereeing in all six matches that will hold at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
Sports247 reports that speculation is already rising in some quarters that Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos might be favoured by match referees, because the competition is holding in the south-west and very close to their base.
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However, rather than be cowed by the possibility of biased officiating against the two northern clubs – Doma United of Gombe and Ranchers Bees of Kaduna – a coach in one of the two teams believes there is no need to fear.
That conviction was disclosed by Doma United’s coach, Najib Mabo, who boldly told Sports247 that the Super-4 is bound to see a continuum of flawless refereeing and vastly improved officiating that was seen during the NNL’s regular season.
While pointing out that he personally does not complain about the performance of a referee during his matches, the son of former Super Falcons’ coach, Ismaila Mabo, said he expects to see free and fair officiating in Ikenne.
“My expectation is to have a free and fair competition in every game,” said Coach Najib. “I expect good football from all the teams and that Doma United will win, by the grace of God.
“I don’t have any fear or belief about poor officiating. For every match that I have played, I don’t blame the referee. Even if a referee makes a mistake, I don’t blame him or her.”
Coach Najib also pointed out that a referee’s error could benefit either side during a game, but stressed that the standard of officiating this season has been top-notch, and commended NNL’s officials for making it so.
“In one way or the other, a referee’s error can favour your team. Referees are human beings. That’s why I will not say because this competition is taking place in the south that we may be cheated.
“It’s not like that, as far as I know. I also know that NNL has been doing well throughout this season. The officiating has improved and I’m sure it will continue that way in this Super-4.
“I also believe it will continue to improve like that next season in the NPFL and Doma United will get a continental ticket, by the grace of God,” Coach Najib concluded with enthusiasm.
