A former FIFA-graded referee, Emmanuel Obafemi, has identified poor officiating conditions, inadequate preparation, stakeholder pressure and weak administration as major obstacles to football development in Nigeria.

Mr Obafemi spoke on Sunday as a guest speaker at the annual luncheon of Fabulous Sparkling Sparks Football Club in Ilorin. He said Nigeria’s failure to qualify for successive FIFA World Cups should compel stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting the sport.

According to him, administrators, referees, clubs and supporters all have important roles in raising football standards across the country.

“Everybody knows there are challenges in our football. What is important is for each stakeholder to understand and play their role in addressing them,” he said.

Mr Obafemi described referees as critical stakeholders, noting that FIFA regards match officials as an integral part of every competition. He said referees represent both their countries and the global football community, adding that match outcomes often depend on the quality of officiating.

According to him, referees make crucial decisions within seconds, including identifying offences, determining offenders and applying appropriate sanctions.

“Referees must possess a thorough understanding of the Laws of the Game, maintain a high level of physical fitness and demonstrate sound judgement,” he said.

He added that beyond knowing the rules, referees must correctly interpret the laws and understand the spirit of the game.

Mr Obafemi lamented the challenges facing Nigerian referees, including poor appointment processes, inadequate logistics and late notification of match assignments. He said some referees receive appointments only days before matches, forcing them to undertake exhausting journeys that affect performance.

“How can a referee travel from Borno to Aba and arrive just before a match without experiencing fatigue? Such conditions affect concentration and decision-making,” he said.

Mr Obafemi also criticised the poor state of officiating equipment, saying many technological devices are unavailable or non-functional. He urged football authorities to invest in modern equipment and improve referees’ welfare to enhance efficiency.

The former referee further identified pressure from clubs, supporters and other stakeholders as a major challenge for match officials. He said persistent pressure before and during matches can influence referees and undermine fair officiating.

Mr Obafemi called for greater support and protection for referees, stressing that improved officiating standards would aid football development. He urged stakeholders to promote professionalism, transparency and integrity in football administration to restore public confidence in the game.

(NAN)