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By Amaechi Agbo

As the 2018/19 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL winds down, the Nigeria Referees Association, NRA, has charged its officials on duty in the Week 18 midweek encounter in the league not to be intimidated by the antics of home clubs, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

NRA president, Otunba Tade Azeez gave the charge while commending the referees for upholding the ethics of the profession in the discharge of their duties in the league thus far and called on them to improve where necessary but not to be cowed by players during matches

In a release by the NRA Publicity Secretary, Kelechi Mejuobi, it adds that the referees’ boss wished members on duty in the midweek matches the best of luck.

“Match officials taking part in the midweek games of the NPFL have been told not to be distracted by several antics of clubs and their supporters especially when they play at the home front.

“While asking teams to play by the rules and avoid acts not okay for the progress of the domestic league, the head of Nigerian referees urged his members on duty to not only shun such shenanigans but also try to overcome the subtle challenges initiated by teams to derail good officiating.

“According to Otunba Tade, no amount of intimidation and harassment would stop the referees from giving a good account of themselves at match venues stating that the decision to keep away from league centres where their lives are threatened and in danger remains sacrosanct.

“He wished referees on duty and participating clubs best of lucks.”