Super Eagles Falcons legend Desire Oparanozie has publicly criticized the officiating in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Libya in Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Ademola Lookman’s goal was disallowed, and their frustration was that it seemed to be a legitimate one.
Nigeria Denied Lead by Controversial Offside Call
Lookman brilliantly combined with Samuel Chukwueze in the 83rd minute to slot the ball past Libya’s goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi, with the game still goalless.
It’s a shame @CAF_Online @FIFAcom licensed referees called this an offside .
I thought we had moved into the VAR era but this clearly shows unprofessionalism in the officiating.
Any agenda to stop Lookman from scoring and nailing that Ballon D’or , Die By Fire!!#AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/XV7TGDN8BC— Obong Ukpe (@ofonime_ukpe) October 11, 2024
But Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga disallowed the goal on the advice of his assistant, Clemence Kanduku, much to the dismay of the Nigerian national team.
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Oparanozie Questions Officiating
Former Super Falcons star Desire Oparanozie expressed her shock on X (formerly Twitter) and questioned the decision, saying poor officiating.
“No VAR in Uyo? There’s no dent in Lookman’s goal,” she wrote, expressing disbelief at the call that denied Nigeria the lead.
The Super Eagles eventually won 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but the controversy over the officiating will linger.
