Kabiru Dogo, the Technical Adviser of Kwara United Football Club, has expressed his displeasure over the poor officiating in the match between his team and Plateau United.
The game, which took place on Sunday, 30th April 2023, at the Ondo State Sports Complex, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to the press after the match, Dogo accused the referee of having a hidden agenda and colluding with the opposition team to make them win.
He said, “This is the worst referee I’ve ever seen in this life. If you watch the match, you’d see that he had a hidden agenda. He frustrated my players till they lost hope. Everything he did on the pitch had been planned for. He colluded with the opposition team to make them win.”
Dogo also criticized the scheduling of the match, saying that the referee was supposed to have been in the city where the game would take place 2-3 days prior, but came just an hour before the game.
“If we continue doing this to one another, where will the future of the Nigerian league end?” he asked.
Kwara United’s draw against Plateau United was a big disappointment for the team, as it would have put them three points ahead of Nasarawa United, had they won.
The match was part of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 16.
Many people also commented about poor officiating after the match.
A football lover called Biola said that Dogo’s criticism of the referee’s performance is not without merit, as poor officiating has been a major problem in Nigerian football for many years.
He also affirmed that it is not uncommon for referees to be accused of bias or incompetence, and the lack of trust in their abilities often leads to a breakdown in discipline on the pitch.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been working to address the issue of poor officiating, with various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of referees in the country.
However, progress has been slow, and incidents of poor officiating continue to hamper the development of football in Nigeria.
Another person also commented that the NFF will need to address the issue of poor officiating if Nigerian football is to reach its full potential.
He furthered that it will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the NFF, clubs, players, and fans, to improve the quality of refereeing in the country.
A sports analyst in Akure who watched the match stated “For Kwara United, the disappointing draw against Plateau United is a setback, but they will look to bounce back in their next game.
“Kwara United management will need to motivate their players and work on improving their performance if they are to climb up the table.
Nonetheless, the criticism of the referee’s performance in the Kwara United vs. Plateau United match highlights the need for better officiating in Nigerian football.
“The NFF must take decisive action to address the issue and improve the quality of refereeing in the country.
“For Kwara United, the disappointing draw is a reminder of the challenges they must overcome if they are to succeed in the NPFL.
In other NPFL23 matchday 16 results, Abia Warriors defeated Dakkada FC 3-0, Bayelsa United beat Sunshine Stars 2-1, El Kanemi lost to Enyimba 0-1, Rangers thrashed Wikki Tourists 3-0, and Gombe United drew 0-0 with Bendel Insurance.
