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Nigerians allege biased officiating

Posted by By Linus Obogo on 2005/07/04 | Views: 571 |

Nigerians allege biased officiating


Soccer-loving Nigerians yesterday blamed the defeat of the Flying Eagles at the World Youth Championship in Holland to the biased officiating by the centre referee from Norway.

Soccer-loving Nigerians yesterday blamed the defeat of the Flying Eagles at the World Youth Championship in Holland to the biased officiating by the centre referee from Norway.

Supremely confident after their 3-0 semi-final victory over Morocco and enthused by a fast drum rhythm created by the green waves of supporters among the capacity crowd, Nigeria dominated the contest's opening exchanges.

The Samson Siasia-tutored team lost 1-2 to Argentina, with the latter's goals earned from the penalty kick.

Speaking to Sunday Sun yesterday shortly after the match, Obigbo leader, Chief Charles Ahinze advised that Nigeria should a file a petition to FIFA protesting the biased and fraudulent officiating. Said he:

"The award of two penalties in a FIFA World Cup finals was unjustifiable. It was clear that Nigeria was in control of the match until the referee awarded the second penalty. At that stage, the Flying Eagles got demoralised. It is an indication of FIFA's biased against Third World countries. In fact, if FIFA fails to annul the outcome of that match we should begin to think of the possibility of boycotting FIFA organised competitions in future."

Similarly, Mr. Dike Dimiri, a soccer enthusaist said: "I don't know why FIFA doesn't like African countries winning finals of their tournaments. It is like Africa represents bad marketing for FIFA.
Also reacting, Mr Michel Obi of Masters Sports alleged that the Norwegian referee acted on the basis of a brief, thereby killing the beauty and flow of the game.

Many had billed yesterday's encounter as a Messi versus John Obi Mikel clash and with the Barcelona man somewhat starved of service, it was the Nigerian who caught the eye first. Appearing to float on grass and glide past players, he was the focal point of the Flying Eagles attack, threading passes through to strikers at will. His team-mates, though were not immediately on the same wavelength.

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