By Dianabasi Effiong
Nigeria’s FIFA-badge referee, Peter Edibi, is “quite elated’’ by FIFA’s decision to deploy him and 68 other referees for the male U-20 World Cup billed for Turkey June 21-July 13, 2013.
Nigeria is drawn in Group B with Cuba, Korea Republic and Portugal and will kick off her first match on Friday June 21 against Cuba at Kadir Has stadium in Kayseri.
Edibi expressed his delight at the honour the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in an interview with our correspondent Friday in Ikom, Cross River.
It will be recalled that in the list made up of 19 referees and 50 assistant referees, FIFA invited three referees from Africa and Edibi is one of the six assistant referees from the continent.
The Cross River-born referee also expressed delight at the reward of land and money showered on him by the State Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke when he received Nigeria’s Super Eagles after winning the 2013 AFCON.
Edibi was one of the assistant referees and the only Nigerian that officiated at the continental soccer show-piece (AFCON) in South Africa.
“I am quite elated. The invitation has also helped in removing lots of tears in my eyes because it came just in time shortly after losing my dad,” he said.
According to Edibi the appointment by FIFA and the reward by Imoke administration will spur him to impeccable performances for Nigeria and Cross River respectively.
“I see myself as Nigeria’s Ambassador in the game. Nigerians and the people of Cross River should not expect anything short of good representation from me with god on my side.
“I have participated in the cup of Nations in Ghana in 2008, Angola in 2010; Equatorial Guinea in 2012; and South Africa in 2013.
“I also participated in the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) 2009 in Cote d’ Voire and 2011 in Sudan.
“I always feel that excellence will always be forward and was happy that my state government came forward with the reward first. I was also expecting the Nigerian Government reward,’’ he said.
Edibi also told our correspondent that he will be in Uyo as a Resource Person at the Chief Edwin Clark’s U-18 International Football Tournament.
“That will give me an opportunity to impart knowledge to my juniors as a resource person. The programme begins may 17 and will end May 26 this year.
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