The organisers of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football fiesta, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament christened the Prosperity Cup shall hold a two day tof raining for the state referees that will participate in season seven of the tournament.
This was contained in a statement by the Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe, during the kickoff of the tournament in Yenagoa.
According to him, the exercise is in collaboration with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Bayelsa State Referees Council, Bayelsa State Football Association, and Ministry of Sports Development, stating that the essence of the programme was to equip referees in the state with modern officiating techniques ahead of the competition.
Mr. Akpe said that over one hundred referees would be trained to be handled by Chukwudi Chukwujekwu, CAF Instructor, Member NFF Referees Committee and Head, Panel of Instructors of Nigeria Referees, as well as Felicia Chibuogwu, CAF Instructor, NFF Referees Assessor, and Instructor of Referees in the country, who are all expected in Yenagoa.
According to Mr. Akpe, renowned referee technical instructor, FIFA-trained referees instructor and assessor, Peter Elgam Edibi would also be in Bayelsa to train the younger generation in the state.
He notes that the refresher course, which is aimed at enhancing the officiating skills of the referees and equipping them with updated information on the game, is in line with best global practices given the governor’s desire to promote capacity building
He further explained that the governor is desirous to see Bayelsa referees competing with their peers anywhere in the world, stating that this year’s programme is an expansion of the season six edition, which was a 1-day programme.
He stated that those intending to be referees in the future and match commissioners are also included in the programme, describing the initiative as significant to the referee’s council.
The two-day refresher course is slated for Tuesday, 18th and Wednesday, 19th February 2025, and will be held at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Azikoro Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa from 9 am daily.
