Chairman of Emiloju Football Club, Alhaji Jimoh Alao, shared his thoughts on the gripping encounter of Ex-International Cup and emphasised on the Need for Impartial, accurate refereeing.
The Round of 16 match saw FC Nwosu emerged victorious over FC Amoo, winning 11-10 in a tense penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
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Jimoh Alao saw the match as a thrilling display of grassroots football and highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams.
“The game was nice, very competitive, but I want to appeal to our referees, whether it’s a friendly match or a competitive game, to ensure they officiate well. Football is taken very seriously now, and we want to avoid any conflict during matches.”
The match saw both teams fiercely contesting every play. FC Nwosu initially took the lead, but FC Amoo fought back to equalize twice, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout. The shootout extended into an intense 11-10 conclusion in favor of FC Nwosu, who showed remarkable resilience under pressure.
Reflecting on the officiating, Alao expressed concerns over its fairness. “I can’t rate the officiating as very good. Fair judgment is crucial to avoid any disputes.” he commented, emphasizing the need for impartial and accurate refereeing in such high-stakes matches.
Alao also praised the organizers for their efforts in promoting the sport. “The organizers are doing well. It’s great to involve everyone and remind our ex-players that they are still valued. We need more events like this to celebrate our football community while they are alive,” he noted, appreciating the initiative to foster community spirit and support for the sport.
