By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
The organizers of Governor Douye Diri football Tournament Christened Prosperity cup shall hold a two days training for referees that will participate in the season seven of the competition.
The Director General of the tournament, Mr. Ono Akpe made this known during the official kick off ceremony of the showpiece grassroot competition at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, on Monday.
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 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 officiating skills of the referees and equipping them with updated information of the game, in line with best global practices in view of 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 season six edition which was a 1-day programme.
He stated that those intending to be referees in future and match commissioners are as well included in the programme, describing the initiative as significant to the referees 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 9am daily.
