As teams prepare for the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League, Nigerian referees have urged the organisers of League Management Company to pay more attention to match officiating.
A former Secretary of Nigeria Referees Association, Sunday Audu said that the measure would enhance the growth of the competition.
Audu told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos that the Sheu Dikko-led LMC’s administration should be extolled for its innovations in the league.
Audu said: “The league is a far cry from what it used to be, it has witnessed significant growth which is obvious to all.
“With what the LMC is doing currently, it will only keep getting better; all stakeholders must show support in order to develop our domestic league.
“The organisers have done a great job which is commendable, but they need to consistently focus on officiating and also crowd control.
“Poor officiating could mar any league, but as long as this is checked, we can be sure that more fans will come to the stadium to watch matches.
“We want a league where our stadia will be full like we see in foreign leagues; we are on the right path.
“But in all honesty, Sheu Dikko and his lieutenants have brought so much innovation to the league and the competition is better for it.’’
The former secretary added that the NRA was prepared to officiate without fear or favour in the 2016/2017 season.
He said: “Officiating will witness a lot of significant development in the coming season and the NRA is committed to ensuring that.’’
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