Football enthusiasts in Aba have urged the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) organisers to ensure adequate security at match venues to bring out the best officiating in matches.

Some football enthusiasts who spoke with journalists in Aba on Thursday said inadequate security for the match officials has become a major challenge in the league.

A businessman, Iheme Chijindu, said a well-structured security at match venues will give match officials hope of safety.

“I wish the league organisers would come up with a good security structure at match venues to eradicate intimidation and harassment of match officials during matches,” Chijindu stated.

Another enthusiast, Ikechukwu Njoku, lauded the league organisers and the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) for the tremendous officiating in the ongoing league.

He called on the league organisers to look out for sponsors who will help them train security personnel to prevent violence during matches.

Joy Makwe, a student, said the league needs many changes to grow, urging the organisers to ensure adequate security for referees during matches.

“Some referees fear for their lives at some match venues because some match venues are known to be volatile, and the referee has no option but to compromise,” Makwe said.

Kelechi Madukwe urged the league organisers to train security personnel on maintaining orderliness at football match venues.

“Referees are the pillar of football in every country, and they give you the best when they are being taken good care of,” Madukwe said.

(NAN)