Chidera Festus, a young, tall, and agile aspiring referee, was among the over 100 participants at the “FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK” symposium and training held on September 21st at the Lagos State Referee Association Secretariat inside Teslim Balogun Stadium.
The event, organized by Nigerian FIFA referee Yemisi Eunice Akintoye, was designed to inspire and educate the next generation of female referees.
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Chidera, who has a deep passion for refereeing, shared her excitement about the opportunity. “My dream of becoming a world-class referee is gradually becoming a reality.
I’m not yet a referee, but I have always wanted to be one. So, when I heard about this training, I quickly jumped at it,” she said. “I call this a privilege—learning from the best and being among great aspiring referees makes you realize there’s a great vision and an even greater future ahead. This training has only deepened my love for refereeing.”
The symposium provided Chidera and other young women with hands-on training from some of the best in the field, including facilitators like FIFA referee Hope Igho, Pastor John Ojeleye, Anu Balogun, and retired FIFA referee Bukky Olisa. Chidera noted that the intense training sessions, which covered the latest refereeing rules, techniques, and fitness regimes, helped her gain new insights and boosted her confidence.
Throughout the day, Chidera and her fellow participants engaged in morning and afternoon training sessions, with breaks for meals and moments to relax. The event also provided an opportunity to network with other aspiring referees, creating a sense of community and support among the participants.
Chidera expressed gratitude to Yemisi Akintoye for organizing the event, which she believes will shape her journey toward becoming a professional referee. “Being part of this program has shown me that I can achieve my dreams. The knowledge I gained here is invaluable, and it has fueled my determination to keep pushing forward,” Chidera added.
The “FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK” initiative continues to empower young women like Chidera, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in refereeing and inspiring them to chase their dreams in the world of football.
