Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and avoid getting carried away by the growing debate over the appointment of a South African referee and a Beninese match assessor for today’s World Cup playoff against Gabon, insisting that the national focus should remain firmly on the team’s performance on the pitch.
Concerns among fans have escalated in recent days following the revelation that South Africa — a nation whose sports minister previously expressed hope that Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup — would provide the centre referee for the crucial encounter. But Ekpo believes the uproar is unnecessary and could even become a distraction for the team if allowed to dominate headlines.
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“This is not the time to panic about officiating,” Ekpo said. “Referees also have careers and reputations to protect. No official wants a bad report that could cost them future games. Nigerians should trust the boys and let them focus.”
The former international insisted that Nigeria’s primary concern should be how the team plays, not who holds the whistle. He noted that even though officiating has occasionally influenced results in African football, Nigeria’s quality and experience should be enough to take the match out of the referee’s reach.
“We must concentrate on our football,” he added. “If the Super Eagles dominate and take their chances, no referee can stop them.”
Ekpo also used the opportunity to challenge Nigeria’s football authorities to invest more seriously in developing local referees, lamenting the country’s continued absence in major continental and global officiating lists.
“Instead of dwelling on this appointment, let us build our own referees to reach the highest level,” he said. “We cannot continue complaining about other nations’ officials when we are not producing our own.”
With the Super Eagles seeking a place in the next phase of the World Cup qualification pathway, Ekpo urged unity, calm, and unwavering support.
“The team needs Nigerians behind them today,” he concluded. “Let football, not fear, lead the conversation.”
