President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has once more stressed the importance of match commissioners being thorough, painstaking, dedicated and responsible in the discharge of their duties, in the interest of Nigerian football.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of a one-day seminar for all working and prospective match commissioners in the country, held at the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium Complex, Abuja on Wednesday, Maigari noted that being champion of Africa at both junior and senior levels places on Nigeria immense responsibility in the area of organization and general administration of the game.
He said: “The triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa has placed on us much greater responsibility to not only conform to global best practices and standards, but also to set markers for other nations to emulate as we strive to take African football to the next level.
“For decades, the Nigeria League has been seen, and thus regarded, as one of the best in the African continent. Recently, our League was voted as the very best in Africa, and among the best in the universe.”
Maigari also observed that the coming football season will be an unusual one.
He said: “We are starting on 9th March and we are resolved to conclude the season in September. This means that matches would be played in midweek as well, with all the pressure, intensity and gruel that come with it. This calls for painstaking approach, thoroughness and men of integrity in charge.
“The NFF is determined that the standard security and medical provisions, and all other things that must be on ground before a match commences, are met.”
The NFF president’s speech was read by a member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the NFF Match Commissioners’ Appointment Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh.
Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, represented the NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu.
About 800 persons took part in the seminar, where CAF General Coordinator, Etubom Paul Bassey, presented a paper on Organizational Functions of the Nigerian Match Commissioner, while Professor Abu Mallam of the University of Abuja, a FIFA-trained Referee Instructor, presented a paper on technicalities of the job.
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