National Teams
Lack Of Elite Referees, Modern Equipment Hampers Nigerian Representation in International Competitions, Says Dele Atoun


Former Nigerian referee, Dele Atoun, has spoken candidly in regards to the challenges impeding the participation of Nigerian referees in worldwide competitions.
He identified the scarcity of top-level referees and the absence of contemporary coaching gear as important limitations.
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Atoun emphasised the significance of getting referees within the Elite A class, the highest tier of refereeing within the nation, to be thought of for prestigious tournaments just like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Presently, Nigeria has just one assistant referee in Elite A, limiting the pool of candidates obtainable for choice.
*”To start with it’s important to be in Elite A. It’s among the many pool of referees in Elite A that they’ll think about individuals that can go for a contest like AFCON and sadly in Nigeria at present, we solely have one assistant referee in Elite A sadly he was on the final AFCON however not invited for this and I suppose as a result of we additionally don’t have referee; that’s the one they name centre referee in Elite A.
The previous referee highlighted the absence of centre referees in Elite A, with solely two officers, Joseph Ogabor and Kazeem, at the moment in Elite B.
To boost the probabilities of Nigerian referees taking part in future AFCON occasions, Atoun harassed the urgency of elevating extra referees to Elite A standing.
Moreover, Atoun addressed the necessity for contemporary coaching gear to boost the abilities and capabilities of Nigerian referees.
Upgrading infrastructure and offering referees with the most recent instruments and know-how are important steps to maintain tempo with worldwide requirements.
*”The 2 that we have now: Joseph Ogabor and Kazeem, are in Elite B for now so we hope that earlier than the subsequent AFCON both or each of them may have made it to Elite A and perhaps they are going to be thought of for the subsequent one so it’s unlucky however that’s the actuality.”*
Atoun expressed hope that by the subsequent AFCON, efforts could be made to extend the variety of top-level referees in Nigeria, facilitating their inclusion in prestigious tournaments.
The decision for funding in referee improvement and infrastructure upgrades resonates as an important step towards elevating Nigeria’s illustration within the international soccer officiating neighborhood.
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