From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
The ripples caused over the week 33 match played at Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi between the home team Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Heartland FC, Owerri is still raising dust as Engr. Eke Nwosu, an ardent supporter of the Naze Millionaires is saying the banning of the en fante terrible Central Refree Mr. Maruwa Bala by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigeria Referees Association, NRA is not enough arguing in the interest of Justice, equity and fairness that the match should be replayed on a neutral ground or 3 points 3 goals awarded to Heartland FC so as to serve as a deterrent of abusing home advantage by some Nigerians club sides.
Nwosu who recently spoke to Sports Journalists at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri was so furious on the outcome of the match and how the referees flagrantly abused the rule of the game by allowing 21 minutes extra time that enabled the home team to have had the advantage of leveling up to 2-1 against the visiting team as the game was heading to end in 1-1 draw.A
ccording to the fan “the officiating of Lobi Stars match with Heartland FC was an unprecedented aberration in the history of football officiating in Nigeria. It’s unheard of for an extra time of 21 minutes to be given in a match. This is a litimus test to LMC, NFF and NRA.
All we are demanding is that the match should be replayed on a neutral ground or Heartland should be awarded 3 points and 3 goals to justify justice, equity and fairness. Banning of Mr. Maruwa Bala as the Central Referee is not enough because Lobi Stars have not been punished as an accomplice.
We want justice by all the necessary supervisory bodies doing the needful of either replaying the match on a neutral ground or award Heartland 3 points and 3 goals as the statutory rules of the game stated. From all intents and purposes there’s nothing that warranted given 21 minutes extra time for game of 90 minutes” he insisted.
Nwosu however expressed disappointment on the dwindling performances of the Oriental team since last season which he attributed to administrative incompetence and the State government lackadaisical attitude in releasing of funds to the club.
