How referee's strike almost marred NBBF Premier League’s Ibadan Centre

Posted : 30 October 2023

The referees at the ongoing Atlantic Conference Ibadan Playoffs of the 2023 Nigeria Basketball Premier League almost disrupted the ongoing matches at the Centre.

The officials embarked on the strike due to unpaid allowances, leading to the stoppage of the day’s first match.

They claimed that they had not been paid any allowances for feeding, accommodation, and their work since the competition began on Sunday.

A referee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the umpires at the competition had been using their personal funds to cover their expenses in Ibadan.

“Many of us traveled to officiate, but feeding and accommodation have come out of our own pockets. This is unacceptable, and we can't continue with it any longer.

“And we know that if we continue officiating, we may end up not being paid for the services we provide. So, this is a collective decision of the referees in all the centers where the competition is currently being played.

“We in the Atlantic Conference agreed on this strike, and you should know that those at the Asaba Center are also observing the strike.

“But we will resume officiating once our allowances are paid,” the referee said.

However, following the intervention of some officials from the Oyo State Basketball Association and pleas from some players and team officials, the referees backed down.

They agreed to allow the first match of the day, Ebun Comets of Lagos versus Hoops and Reads of Lagos, to take place.

The match at the indoor sports hall of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium was scheduled to start at 10 a.m., but due to the strike, it did not begin until 11 a.m.

Ebun Comets went on to beat Hoops and Reads 72-61.

Speaking about the situation, Damola Awosika, the Vice-Chairman of the Oyo State Basketball Association, described the situation as unfair and unjust.

Awosika said the officials had been in Ibadan since Saturday and had been working for the past six days, and it was inhumane for them not to receive their benefits.

“This is not a positive development and is unfair to the officials,” he said.

The day's other scheduled matches were later played.

Oluyole Warriors beat Invaders of Ekiti 84-45, while Impressions of Delta beat Ondo Raiders 57-43.

The competition, which is organized by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), ended after seven days of three matches daily.

Three matches are scheduled, and the top four clubs, after a total of 21 matches, will progress to the next phase of the league.

How referee's strike almost marred NBBF Premier League’s Ibadan Centre

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