‘It hurts’ - Rangers boss calls for VAR in Nigerian football after controversial penalty and defeat

Justice Now! Rangers boss's VAR call is a cry for Nigerian football's soul and demand for integrity.

In a charged aftermath to their 2-1 defeat against Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) leaders Nasarawa United on Sunday, Rangers International FC management has issued a passionate plea for the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system. 

The loss, which snapped the Enugu club's three-game unbeaten run, hinged on a highly controversial penalty decision awarded to the home side. 

Rangers' Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, took to social media to voice his pain, stating that it "hurts to watch fairness sacrificed on the altar of human error."

The Controversial Call and Call for Change

The pivotal moment occurred during the fiercely contested match where the league leaders secured a narrow victory over the visiting Flying Antelopes. 

Nasarawa United's winning goal came from a penalty kick, a decision that has since sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, with unofficial video replays showing that the call was incorrect.

In his appeal, Barrister Ezeaku framed the issue as one of integrity and accountability for the entire league. 

"I’ve seen emotions boil over in our league; players furious, fans disillusioned, coaches helpless, all because of one wrong call," he posted. 

He argued that VAR's implementation is not a critique of the referees but a necessary step to safeguard the game's essence. 

"VAR isn’t about questioning referees; it’s about protecting the spirit of the game. It brings calm where chaos once ruled, and justice where doubt lingers."

The Integrity Challenge

This incident is the latest flashpoint in a recurring conversation about officiating standards in the NPFL, which also witnessed several calls in the clash between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, which ended in chaos. 

Critics often cite the lack of advanced technology as a primary factor contributing to such errors, which frequently influence the outcomes of crucial matches, affecting league standings and relegation battles. 

The financial and logistical hurdles of implementing VAR in Nigeria remain significant, but proponents, like Ezeaku, insist the cost is negligible compared to the long-term damage to the league's reputation and its ability to attract investment and talent.

"If we truly want progress, transparency, and trust in Nigerian football, then we must embrace VAR, not someday, but now," Ezeaku concluded, issuing a clear challenge to the league management body and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Rangers CEO’s forceful statement elevates the VAR conversation from a mere fan grievance to a high-level administrative demand. 

The call puts significant pressure on the NPFL to formally address the technological leap required to align with global football standards.

For the Flying Antelopes, the loss is a morale blow and a setback in their pursuit of the top spots, now needing to quickly refocus for their next fixture. 

For Nasarawa United, the win consolidates their position, albeit under a cloud of controversy. 

Ultimately, this incident is a reminder of the urgent need for a concrete plan to introduce technology that ensures accountability and fair play in Nigerian football.

Barrister Ezeaku’s impassioned statement may serve as a decisive moment, demanding that the NPFL confront the systemic challenges to its integrity. 

The spotlight is now firmly on the authorities to deliver a roadmap for a more technologically secure and fair future for the game.