President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has alleviated concerns about potential biased officiating as the Super Eagles prepare to face the host team, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, in the second semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night in Rabat.
“I don’t share the same worries about the match officials being biased that some people have. I believe the playing field is fair and level.
“I don’t foresee a scenario where the officials would act against the interests of any team.
“Last summer, we were here in Morocco for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and faced the host nation in the final, coming back from two goals down to win.
“There’s nothing to fear,” Gusau said, while addressing Nigerians over the issue, stating that what happened was the pinnacle of football in Africa, and the officials are aware that CAF and the entire world are watching, so they won’t act inappropriately.
The NFF president spoke out amid widespread concerns among Nigerian football fans that the officials might overtly or covertly favor the host nation, which is seeking its second AFCON title after winning its first 50 years ago.
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The Super Eagles’ camp remains confident and focused as players adhere strictly to their daily routines at Hotel Rihab and the training facility, Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI.
Reports from the Atlas Lions’ camp indicate that their players are wary of the influence Nigerian midfielder Alexander Iwobi could have on the match.
Iwobi delivered 22 line-breaking passes in the quarter-final against Mozambique, which Nigeria won 4-0, and 14 against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Saturday’s quarter-final in Marrakech.
Nigeria triumphed in both matches, scoring six goals without conceding.
The 29-year-old, who made his debut for Nigeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium on October 8, 2015, also provided assists for Nigeria’s first two goals in the tournament during the 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Fés on December 23.
He will earn his 96th cap for the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.
