Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has enjoined referees in Nigerian not to relent in being excellent arbiters for the good of the game.
Speaking when members of the Nigeria Referees Association, NRA paid him a courtesy visit during the NFF organized pre season medical and physical fitness test in Bauchi, Bauchi State for NNL, Nationwide and Women leagues referees, Alhaji Maigari notes that the growth of domestic leagues in Nigeria cannot be achieved without good officiating from referees.
The former NFF chief who was elated to receive the NRA team led by the President, Otunba Tade Azeez, recalled fond memories of how he tried to improve the fortune of referees during his days in office.
He said that through capacity development programs both at home and abroad were observed.
“During my days, I ensured growth of referees through training programs both home and abroad. I stood for the best in terms of officiating. That is why I will urge referees not to get involved in acts not good for officiating so that our leagues will continue to grow” he added.
Earlier, Otunba Tade Azeez expressed that since the referees were in Bauchi for a program, it became necessary to knock on the doors of not just football stakeholders in the state but the likes of Maigari who have interest in the growth of refereeing.
While stating that the succeeding administrations in NFF have also improved the lot of refereeing through meaningful workshops and programs in line with modern trends in officiating, Tade reiterated the desire of the referees to complement efforts of the federation by translating what they were taught in the classroom on the field of play.
The NRA President said that Bauchi is hosting the Northern leg while Ijebu Ode, Ogun State is for the Southern States.
Otunba Tade Azeez expressed happiness with the facilities on ground for the program in Bauchi and appreciated the hospitality of the people of the state.
The opportunity afforded some international referees of the past who were part of the visit to Maigari’s house recounted excellent encounters with Maigari during his days which showed he remains an apostle of excellence and detrabilised football administrator.
The delegation included Head of Refereeing Unit and NRA Deputy President, Hon Sani Zubairu, other NRA National Executive Committee and NFF Referees Committee Members, Technical and Physical Fitness Instructors and council officers.
