CAF Champions League officiating worries Lobi Stars

Lobi Stars have expressed concerns over the level of officiating in matches involving the Makurdi-based side. And to ensure that all the teams in the competition get equal treatment, Lobi Stars’ Media Officer, Emmanuel Ujah has charged CAF to pay more attention to the quality of officiating in the continent’s elite competition.

Pointing at the performance of the match officials, who handled the Lobi Stars versus Wydad Casablanca match day three game at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Ujah said officiating had affected the course of the game.

The Moroccans won 1-0 through a penalty converted by Mohammed Nahiri, thus inflicting the first loss to the Nigerians in the series.

“The centre referee lost control of the game, as he allowed the Morrocans dictate the pace of the game.

“Moreover, the second penalty call was questionable. CAF should be more responsive to its duties to protect the integrity of the competition.

“Wydad is well known for their confrontational attitude. We all saw what happened when they played Sundowns in South Africa,” he said.

Ujah stressed the need for CAF to appoint better referees as both sides prepare for the reverse fixture in Casablanca on February 12.