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Chidera Festus, a tall and agile young aspiring referee, was among over 100 participants at the “FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK” symposium and training held on September 21 at the Lagos State Referees Association Secretariat inside the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
The event, organized by Nigeria FIFA referee Yemisi Eunice Akintoye, was designed to inspire and educate the next generation of female referees.
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Chidera, who has a deep passion for refereeing, shared his excitement about the opportunity: “My dream of becoming a world-class referee is gradually becoming a reality.
“I am not yet a referee, but I have always wanted to be one. So when I heard about this training, I jumped right in,” she said. “I consider it a privilege – learning from the best and being among the great referee hopefuls makes you realise that there is a great vision and an even better future ahead. This training has only deepened my love for refereeing.”
The symposium provided Chidera and other young women with practical training from some of the best in the field, including facilitators such as FIFA referee Hope Igho, Pastor John Ojeleye, Anu Balogun and retired FIFA referee Bukky Olisa. Chidera said the intensive training sessions, which covered the latest refereeing rules, techniques and fitness regimes, helped her gain new knowledge and boost her confidence.
Throughout the day, Chidera and his fellow participants took part in morning and afternoon training sessions, with breaks for meals and moments of relaxation. The event also provided an opportunity to network with other aspiring referees, which created a sense of community and support among the participants.
Chidera expressed his gratitude to Yemisi Akintoye for organising the event, which he believes will mark his path to becoming a professional referee. “Being part of this programme has shown me that I can achieve my dreams. The knowledge I gained here is invaluable and has fuelled my determination to keep moving forward,” Chidera added.
The “FIFA YEMISI GIVES BACK” initiative continues to empower young women like Chidera, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in refereeing and inspiring them to pursue their dreams in the world of football.
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