BY SAB OSUJI, in Owerri

Referees handling proceedings at the ongoing 2024 Nationwide League One playoffs at the Onwubiko International Soccer Academy, OISA, Stadium, Okpalla, near Owerri, have come under severe criticisms by some of the clubs over what they tagged 'biased' officiating.

Charles Uzor, Technical Adviser of Heartland Feeders, was left to run his team's 1-1 draw against Khun Khalifat in Wednesday's match day three clash.

Uzor fumed with rage, causing the match arbiter of 'bias' and as well alleging that the poor performance of the referee in the game was clear reason most of them don't get CAF and, or, FIFA appointments.

"We came for this playoffs for what it really, developing the game from the grassroot", starts the former Jasper United and later Iwuanyanwu Nationale right back.

"And its important the teams and the players are left to express their true, full potential. We don't care a hoot which team wins at the end or what they do with their slot.

"But let fairness be the watch word and then the better side would be seen to have won. 

"Having said that, I must say that it goes against all forms of fairness and justice the way and manner our match today against Khun Khalifat was handled. The referee showed open bias, giving out a fictitious penalty against us for our opponents to equalise. Its painful, very sad.

"These are reasons CAF and FIFA persistently ignore Nigerian referees for big competitions. How can our football grow with this type of officiating", Uzor quarried, rhetorically.

Heartland Feeders technical boss outcry against officiating is not the only sad talking point of the 2024 NLO Playoffs.

Talks of poor Refereeing had blighted the football showpiece right from the second day of the playoffs with Obinna Achebe, Technical Adviser of St Nwadinso, Red with furry over the way and manner his team's match against Ikukuoma was handled.

Ikukuoma had chalked up all three points in the match day two fixture, thanks to a penalty awarded against his team.

"It was terrible. I never expected such low performance from a referee at this level", laments the young tactician who once played for Kaduna United.

"It completely eroded the image of Nigerian referees. Or how can you explain or give any justification for such penalty he 'manufactured' and awarded against us which ultimately gave victory to Ikukuoma", 'Nwa-Aba' lamented.

Match Day Three Results

Ikukuoma 1-1 Campos

Kun Khalifat 1-1 Heartland Feeders

A&A Kiviansennus 0-1 OISA

Peace 3-0 Safe Africa Child (W/O)

First Mahi 1-1 St Nwadinso