Lagos –  Football Lovers have applauded FIFA’s appointment of four Nigerian referees to officiate at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, Africa zone qualifier between Chad and Tanzanian on Nov. 11.

Some of them in Lagos on Monday said that the appointment was a good development and would better the reputation of Nigerian referees.

The four referees who would officiate at the Idriss Mahamat Ouya stadium are Bunmi Ogunkolade, Tunde Abidoye, Abel Baba and Abubakar Ago.

Rolandson Odeh, a former coach of the Super Falcons, said the appointment showed that Nigerian referees were now recognised.

“It means that Nigeria referees are becoming better and better in the standard laid down by FIFA, they are now recognised for their deeds,” he said.

He also said that it was an indication that refereeing had improved in Nigeria.

Odeh  advised other referees to be diligent in their jobs, stressing the importance of  hard work and dedication.

“Other referees should be more dedicated and hardworking in approach towards their job because it pays,” Odeh stressed.

Tunde Disu, a former coach of the Flying Eagles, described the appointment as a good development, saying it showed that Nigerian referees were not neglected in the affairs of the Football world body.

Disu urged other referees to emulate those that FIFA had selected as the world was watching every action of sportsmen who could impact sports.

“We usually think that the world bodies of sports are not watching, they are; that is why these four referees were selected,” Disu said.

He said the four referees should not relent in their dedication to work. (NAN)