Enyimba Boss Olanrewaju Yemi Criticizes Officiating in Goalless Oriental Derby Against Rangers
Enyimba’s technical adviser, Olanrewaju Yemi, has voiced his frustration over the officiating in their 0-0 draw against Rangers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 15 encounter on Tuesday.
The match, held at Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, saw the nine-time NPFL champions dominate proceedings but fail to convert their efforts into a win. A controversial decision by the referee to disallow a goal for the home side became the major talking point of the fiercely contested oriental derby.
In his post-match interview, Yemi did not hold back his disappointment.
“We scored a goal, but whatever the referee’s reason for cancelling that goal is quite unfortunate,” he lamented.
The young tactician called for improvements in officiating standards in the NPFL, highlighting the need for fairness to reflect the efforts of teams on the pitch.
“We hope this league improves so that when a team makes an effort, they can see the fruits of that effort,” he added.
Engagement: The Refereeing Dilemma in Nigerian Football
Controversial officiating decisions have long been a hot topic in Nigerian football. Matches like the Enyimba vs. Rangers derby often leave fans, players, and coaches questioning the fairness and transparency of refereeing.
Was the referee’s decision to disallow Enyimba’s goal justified, or does it point to the need for better training and accountability in officiating?
How can the NPFL improve its officiating standards to restore confidence in the league?
The call for fairness resonates with fans and stakeholders alike. Should the NPFL introduce technology, such as VAR, or implement stricter evaluation processes for referees? What are your thoughts on the way forward for Nigerian football? Let’s discuss!
