At Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, where the second semi final of 2016 Federation Cup was played between NASARAWA UTD and ENYIMBA INT'L, at the end of the encounter, if not all, almost everyone was happy, not because a team won and another lost, but because of the maturity and dexterity exhibited by the officiating officials, this could be equated to the extreme concentration that was quite characteristic of WORLD CLASS REFEREES.
Who says that our referees are not good? In fact they are good and exceptionally so, except when they are hypnotized. A bush does not sway this way or that way, unless there is wind.
Right from the beginning to the end of the match, the referees exhibited a canny ability to decipher impartially during moments of great decision. This act worths commendation. So on behalf of all sports (football) loving people of Nigeria, I say a big thank you to NIGERIA REFEREES ASSOCIATION (NRA), for the selection of qualified referees and BRAVO to the four referees: Kolawole Akinwale, Oyo.
Usman Abdulmajid, Oyo.
Ige Alex, Oyo. and Akinsanya Segun, Oyo for their excellent performances, you were indeed imbued with the courage and the inner strength permeated with vision. Like Oliver Twist, we expect more referees that can stand the test of time and live above the fog in their public duties and private thinkings.
Human beings, by nature we are insatiable, despite the good officiating, some people still opined that the attitudes of the referees that fateful day were tailored towards Nasarawa United victory. I immediately told them; "Na lie, Nasarawa United were more prepared and determined, it showed in their attitudes from the way they played the match with ease". l concluded by quoting Louis Pasteur, who said ;" Chance favours the prepared mind".
Without minding my intrusion, the elderly amongst them quipped ; "If Enyimba had won that match, it might be very very difficult to fix the final, but with Nasarawa United in the final, manipulation and manoeuvring will take precedence with less ado"
I found their arguments inexplicable and unfailingly disastrous for the development of soccer in 9ja if their 'careless talks or arguments' hold water. If they do, they will once again raise the odious probability of another sinister plot to strangulate free flow of scintillating performances, adroitness and inevitably cause disaffection amongst the true lovers of creativity and football prowess.
I therefore find it incomprehensible, that our dear referees that are still battling with total acceptance, recognition and reputation mending would brazenly arrogate to themselves the task of acting the SPOILER, powered by some cartels incognito. NO. NOT AGAIN, NO REFEREE WILL DO THAT. The REFEREES will remain good ARBITERS.
Gathering like this is known for its boisterous frenzy. We should therefore be very careful in handling or discharging our duties. We are all stakeholders, so let us make the annual football fiesta an hilarious event with ecstatic crowd.
By and large, my dear esteem football fans, supporters, and spectators, why do we think that the horse dares every situation including war? It is because she believes in her rider.
So let's go all out to add glamour to our football by giving standing ovation to the outstanding players and applauding scintillating performances. May God bless Nigeria.
FC Ifeanyinbah and Nasarawa United fc have worked diligently both day and night to be in the final. The players have used up every last ounce of energy in pursuit of their best performance to reach the final stage. The cynosures for whom defeat is viscerally painful have along the way endured traumatized circumstances for victories which have eventually led them this far.
Both teams have seemingly unstoppable esteemed machines against any foe. It's going to be HUNTING THE HUNTER. At the end, the best team will eventually emerged with a slim win, because it will be an unpredictable tight game.
The coaches and the management of these two great teams understood that to build a truly winning culture, they need to create intrinsic motivation. Inspiring those they lead to do great work for the love of the work itself and not because they will receive a trophy at the end of the game. The responsibility of nurturing and training the players demand all the wisdom, patience and skills they can muster.
We all expect, hope and pray that an undisputable champion, like the champion of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) , Ranger International FC will emerge.
By Gbenga Akinola.
Psychologist at Kwara United.
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