2023 NLO Season: Referees hailed for hitch-free games at Eket Center
Fans at the Eket center of the 2023 Nigeria Nationwide League One season have hailed the un-biased performance of Referees as reason for the the four hitch-free matchdays witnessed.
The season kicked-off on Wednesday May 5 and has gone through four matchdays already.
Speaking with SPORTSRATION correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan at the Eket Stadium, venue for the group D1 matches, Fans said the Referees have been fair to all participating, reason no violent incidents have been recorded in all four games to date.
THE COMMENTS
“I have come here everyday to watch matches because all the teams have fair opportunities to play from the Referees. No strange decisions, as you can see we are enjoying ourselves supporting the best teams for every match ”
_ Edwin Edem
” This Referees have done very well and i must not fail to commend them for not taking sides with any team, if this continues, then we can be sure the best team will win in this center ”
_ Bassey Etebong
” The fact that Cross River State teams are dominating the Akwa Ibom Ibom teams here is testimony the Referees in Akwa Ibom are fair to all. This is example of what we want in Nigerian football ”
_ Ezekiel Friday
” Aside few human errors, the Referees have tried their best ”
_ Victor Umana
” I want to say that, this league has been interesting because nobody has gotten dubious penalties, i pray this continues to the end of the season or else i will stop coming to watch the matches. ”
_Godson Ephraim
Twelve matches have so far been played at the Eket Center with Referees from Akwa Ibom State Referees Council and their Abia state counterparts taking charge of officiating duties as delegated by the appointment committee.
On Tuesday May 9, FC ONA Pal (Akwa Ibom) defeated Sir Monty FC (Akwa Ibom) 3-0 before Vandrezzer FC (Akwa Ibom) suffered a 1-2 loss to Leopard FC (Cross River).
Essien Ayi FC ( Cross River ) and Nordic Academy ( Akwa Ibom ) did play a 1-1 draw in the other day-4 match decided on Monday to allow Essien Ayi FC travel for Wednesdays Federation Cup Round of 64 clash vs Heartland FC.
Hope of Glory FC ( Cross River ), FC ONA Pal ( Akwa Ibom ) and Leopard FC ( Cross River ) lead the race for the sole playoff ticket from the group with 9-points.
Action continues in the group on Thursday May 11, 2023 in Eket and all other centers in Nigeria.
