Due to problems with hooliganism and poor welfare, Idris Adesina writes that Nigerian referees have found it difficult earning respect from fans and attract international attention
When Callistus Chukwujekwu became a referee at 19, he never knew what the future held in store for him until events began unfolding in years to come.
He got into football refereeing in 1980 after his secondary education in the South-East. The school’s policy requires that every student, who leaves the school, would have to serve in the school or church for a year.
Chukwujekwu retired in 2006 from active refereeing after officiating in the domestic league and international matches. He is currently a CAF Referee Instructor but says it is not easy being a referee in Nigeria because it has more pains than gains.
He said, “Refereeing in other parts of the world has evolved over the years but the same cannot be said of Nigeria. Only a little development has been witnessed while the pains and challenges remain as much as they have been.”
