***Plan five day Intensive Certificate Programme for Bayelsa Coaches In Collaboration With the NFF.
Over one hundred referees based in Bayelsa State have been equipped with modern officiating techniques ahead of the commencement of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup across the eight LGA.
The exercise was put together by the organizers of the Prosperity Cup in collaboration with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Bayelsa State Referees Council, Bayelsa State Football Association and the Ministry of Sports Development.
The two day refresher course for the umpires had two sections, theory and practical, with the programme climaxing with the practical session taking place at the Samson Siasia Stadium.
Addressing journalists shortly after the exercise, a renowned referee’s instructor and FIFA accessor, Peter Edibe said he was happy to see kids within the age of eight to twelve years participating, saying that the future of the state referees is bright due to the massive interest from the kids.
He noted that he was confident that referees would impact their knowledge in the competition when the tournament commences at the various centers, stating that the tournament would be a good ground for referees.
Another resource person, Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, who is a CAF Instructor, Member NFF Referees Committee and Head, Panel of Instructors of Nigeria Referees, said the essence of a refresher course for referees would go a long way in improving officiating in line with global best practices, describing the exercise as fantastic.
He commended the organizers of the Prosperity Cup for impacting the referees in the state, emphasizing that the gesture is worthy of emulation by other states in the nation, noting that the training would enhance the participants’ confidence with modern officiating rules in the world.
Also, the Chairman, Nigeria Referees Association, Bayelsa State chapter, Ebi Nwankwe, applauded the organisers of the training, saying that with rich content from distinguished resource persons, referees would witness a better officiating.
Two referees, Richman Otiti and Rachel Onyekwere, in separate interviews asserted that the exercise has exposed them to new laws of the game, maintaining that some of the rules would be in effect by June, this year.
The duo equally appreciated the organizers for taking steps to equip them with latest laws, adding that they would ensure that they compete favourably with their colleagues outside the state and beyond the continent.
