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Kwara United claimed all three points but center referee Ibuot Nsisong Linus emerged as another major talking point in Sunday’s EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter after earning praise from both sides following the hosts’ entertaining 2-1 win over Ranchers Bees in Ilorin.
Linus, from Akwa Ibom State, officiated the EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 7 match at the Kwara State Stadium, working alongside assistant referees Ikponmwonsa Imuetinyan and Morrison Otuwho, with Abdulmalik Abdulganiyu as the fourth official.
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Ranchers Bees led until half-time but Kwara United responded after the break to turn the match around and secure another important victory in the NPFL EuroMatch. The visitors were eventually reduced to 10 men after Faisal Sani was sent off for a second yellow card.
Despite the intensity surrounding the comeback and sending off, the match ended peacefully, with coaches from both clubs praising Linus and his refereeing team after the final whistle.
One fan, Ismaila, was equally impressed by the referee’s management at the EuroMatch NPFL.
“I loved what I saw today: fluid football from both sides. The refereeing was exceptional and we pray to see more performances like this,” he said.
“Fans come to enjoy good football, regardless of who wins. When the game flows well and we don’t see bias in the refereeing, everyone can go home in peace. You have to give this referee credit; he deserves praise.”
Linus has been building his reputation through the development structure of Nigerian arbitration. He was previously identified among the country’s young talent referees for a FIFA member associations course before moving on to EuroMatch NPFL assignments.
Sunday’s performance offered another opportunity for the emerging referee to demonstrate his ability in Nigeria’s top flight.
Effective medical and security arrangements also contributed to a successful day, while both teams, officials and fans left the stadium without any reported incident.
For the EuroMatch NPFL, it was the kind of afternoon that builds confidence in the competition: a thrilling comeback, competitive football, disciplined benches and a refereeing team praised by winners and losers alike.
Kwara United took the points, but Linus took the plaudits, a notable moment on matchday seven for the NPFL EuroMatch.
