By: Chuks Ogbu 

Football as we know it is a beautiful game, a game so beautiful that it unites a nation irrespective of tribe, race, religion class etc .

But one thing that has continuesly remained the bane of football development in Nigeria is the officiating of matches by the referees.

On Sunday the 9th of June 2024 the whole country and Indeed the continent of Africa stood still to witness the outcome of the week 35 fixture between 7 time league champions Rangers FC of Enugu and 9 time champions Enyimba FC of Aba.

The fixture which was viewed by many as the potential league decider considering the fact that both teams went into the tie first and second on the table with just two points apart. But a game that should have been a good advertisment for the NPFL turned out to be a show of shame, as the match officials made nasty decisions just to favour the home team.

Taking a proper look at the video footage of the penalty incident, it's very obvious that Rangers striker who was adjudged to have been penalized was clearly offside.  

Why in the world would a referee manufacture a penalty in the 98 minute of the game despite clearly making an offside call originally? What a shame!

It's about time the organizers of the NPFL got their acts right, the obvious unfair treatment meted on Enyimba FC so far this season has been so appalling and something needs to be done about it to prevent future occurrence.