By Ebube Dike

Kwara United Football Club have criticised FIFA Badged referee, Nurudeen Abubakar for turning down a penalty appeal in the Matchday 24 encounter against Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

Akwa United defender, Sampson Gbadebo drove to parry Issa Gata’s goal-bound shot in the second half of the match that ended 2-1 in favour of the home team.

Akwa United scored their first goal in the 38th minute, through Captain Ubong Friday, and increased the tally in the 69th minute, through Nasiru Jibril. Substitute Wasiu Alalade reduced the tally for Kwara United in the 80th minute, tapping in at close range after Olawale Farayola’s shot was spilled by goalkeeper Adewale.

Apart from his refusal to award the penalty, the FIFA Badged referee from Bauchi Referees Council also made some questionable calls, in a match that was monitored by the Chief Physical Fitness Instructor of NFF/NRA Fitness Test programs, Engr (Sir) Emmanuel Edekin Imiere (KSM).

Abubakar turned down the appeal with a claim that the Akwa United defender stopped the shot with his leg, which obviously means that he actually saw what happened, but waved it to give advantage to the home team.

Kwara United had approached the game with utmost optimism, but it was the home team that took the initiative from the blast of the whistle, as Kwara United gradually rose to the occasion, especially in the second half.

The introduction of Olawale Farayola and Issa Gata for Kalu Nweke and Joshua Agboola respectively, in the 46th minute made the difference as Kwara United turned the tide against Akwa United.

Coach Abdullahi Biffo also brought in Ayobami Junior for Stephen Jude, and Alalade Wasiu for Ohanu Michael, to increase the pressure on the home team.