By Akeem Busari
FIFA Badged female referee Yemisi Akintoye was honoured last week by the organisers of the 1X Community Cup football championship at the Inspire Sports Arena, Oshodi, Lagos.
Yemisi Akintoye, the only Nigerian female referee at the last WAFCON championship held in Morocco, and was rated highly for her outstanding performances during the championship.
According to the organisers of 1X cup, which is regarded as the biggest grassroots football championship in Nigeria, the decision to celebrate and honour Yemisi Akintoye, was because of her inspirational impact on the beautiful game, particularly, as many younger female referees look up to her as a mentor.
“Yemisi Akintoye has been a part of the 1X cup Community football championship for some time now, and her officiating of matches have been outstanding and near-flawless,” Waidi Akanni, ex-Nigeria international player and the tournament director remarked.
“We decided to celebrate her impressive achievements in the game, as she continues to be a positive influence on younger female referees.Β “As organisers of the biggest grassroots football championship in Nigeria, we believe that the future of football in Nigeria, is very bright,” Akanni, a former Lagos State Football Association Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Match International Limited, added.
