Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has downplayed concerns surrounding the appointment of a South African referee and a Beninois match assessor for Nigeria’s World Cup playoff encounter against Gabon, insisting that the focus must remain on performance rather than officiating.
Ekpo stated that while fans naturally express anxiety about such appointments, players and coaches cannot afford to be distracted by external factors that are beyond their control.
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Ekpo pointed out that every team in the playoff series has one singular objective — to qualify for the World Cup — and that Nigeria must approach the challenge with complete concentration.
He stressed that football matches are ultimately decided by the quality displayed on the pitch, not by speculation or fear related to refereeing decisions.
According to him, the obsession with officials often stems from Nigeria’s historical distrust of refereeing in key matches, but he maintained that now is not the time for panic.
The former midfielder also dismissed any talk of potential bias from the match officials because South Africa has already secured qualification for the World Cup.
He argued there is no logical reason for a South African referee to sabotage Nigeria’s chances when the result does not directly affect his home nation’s prospects.
Instead, Ekpo urged the Super Eagles to block out the noise and channel their energy towards tactical discipline, mental fortitude and clinical execution on matchday.
Speaking on the broader picture, Ekpo underlined that getting into the World Cup through playoffs requires resilience and a strong mindset. He revealed that the playoff setting, especially with games played on neutral grounds, demands total composure and focus, as even minor lapses can prove costly.
He advised the players to treat the encounter like a final, understanding that the margins at this stage are extremely thin.
Ekpo’s final advice to the squad was clear: “Leave the referees alone and fight to earn qualification.” He urged fans and analysts to trust the team’s preparation and allow the players to maintain their mental clarity heading into one of the most crucial fixtures of their World Cup campaign.
