Football fans in Bauchi State have praised referee Dahane Beida, of Mauritania, for good officiating during Cote d’Ivoire finals win over Nigeria, at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles to capture the African crown, they came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1, to win the AFCON 2023 title on Sunday Feb. 11 .
Some football fans in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at midnight on Monday in Bauchi, lauded the officiating referee for unbiased officiating.
Mr Adamu Imam, a football fan, said the referee was composed and focused while officiating the match .
“The Mauritanian referee has put in his best to see that the game was perfectly coordinated, without much argument and less yellow cards issued.
“So, I must commend his professionalism at the 2023 AFCON finals.”
Nasiru Ibrahim, a sports commentator, said the match was neat and was well officiated by the referee.
“The referee has done well,” he said.
Ibrahim, however, said that the Super Eagles coach made some mistakes.
“It was unexpected, and I am devastated. I am hoping to be able to bear the pain of the loss ,” he added.
A sports writer, Jennifer Emmanuel, said the referee knew his job, “as a referee he was impartial to the two teams”.
There was no sentiment nor bias in officiating the finals, he deserves commendation,” she said.
According to her, I feel bad but we accept everything in good fate, that’s football for you, Congratulations to Côte d’Ivoire .
“They played like patriots. no matter what happened tonight maximum respect to the super eagles,” Jennifer said with a salute.
Another Sports Enthusiast, Abubakar Waziri, however, noted that while officiating the match, the Mauritanian referee made some mistakes, adding that “it is the beauty of the game”.
“The Super Eagles played more of defensive game, instead of attacking at the beginning of the match.There was much pressure on the defence because our midfield was not well coordinated, this put pressure on the defence, ” he said
