Assistant referee Peter Edibe is about to make history as the first Nigerian to officiate at the World Cup finals. Last year, Edibe was listed as one of the ARs under consideration for the FIFA World Cup 2014 and attended a fitness test in Zurich. He has been selected as an assistant referee in a CAF prospective trio (photo) along with referee Neant Alioum and AR Evarist Menkouande, both from Cameroon.
Last week, Edibe literally jumped for joy when a letter signed by Selene Cruz, Protocol Coordinator, Local Organising Committee, FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 invited him to Brazil. The letter reads in part “Dear Sir, we are pleased to send you herewith attached, the invitation letter you will need for your special visa for Brazil to be able to attend FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 and the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014”. Based on this letter, Edibe will be attending a referee seminar in Rio de Janeiro in May, an auxiliary event to the FIFA Confederations Cup.
When contacted, Linus Mba, NFF Referee Consultant and FIFA Referee Instructor, said he was delighted with the rising profile of Peter. “The Confederations Cup will be his test and I am sure he will do well enough to be able to qualify for the World Cup proper, by the grace of God, given his diligence and discipline over the years”, the veteran referee instructor said.
Source: Complete Sports
PS: In spite of this news from Nigeria, it seems that all prospective referees and assistant referees received such letters from the Local Organising Committee in order to facilitate the process for those who would need a visa to enter Brazil, if appointed for the 2013 Confederations Cup and/or the 2014 World Cup.
When contacted, Linus Mba, NFF Referee Consultant and FIFA Referee Instructor, said he was delighted with the rising profile of Peter. “The Confederations Cup will be his test and I am sure he will do well enough to be able to qualify for the World Cup proper, by the grace of God, given his diligence and discipline over the years”, the veteran referee instructor said.
Source: Complete Sports
PS: In spite of this news from Nigeria, it seems that all prospective referees and assistant referees received such letters from the Local Organising Committee in order to facilitate the process for those who would need a visa to enter Brazil, if appointed for the 2013 Confederations Cup and/or the 2014 World Cup.