By Godwin Otang
The Newly enlisted Federation International Football Association (FIFA)’s Referee from Cross River state, Egba Patrick John has assured that he will put in his best in his new role as FIFA Referee.
In an exclusive interview with CrossRiverWatch on Thursday, Egba gave the assurance while recounting his trajectory to becoming a licensed FIFA referee. He also gave credit to FIFA’s Peter Edibi (Rtd) who he said “saw the talent” in him and opted that he (Egba Patrick John), join the hobby in 2010.
According to him, “It all started through FIFA Peter Edibi (Rtd), who saw the talent in me and opted that I join the hobby that was in 2010, after which I wrote my first graded exams from RIT to grade 3 in 2012.
“My second exams came in 2014 and the last in 2016, where I was given the license to officiate the lower division of the Nigerian league called Nigerian Lower Division League (NLDL). From there I was promoted to the Nigerian National League (NNL) in 2019 where I officiated a number of games. Finally, God took me to the highest league in Nigeria which is the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).”
Egba is from Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State and is the second indigenous FIFA Referee from the area, after FIFA Retired Peter Edibi.
When asked about his expectations and goals, Egba expressed greatness in himself and assured he will put in his best.
“I feel so great that I have attained this height in refereeing, though I know it’s just a stepping stone for me as the aim is far more than just having the badge. CAF/ FIFA Tournaments is actually the pace I have set and by the special grace of God, it will be successful.
“It’s simple, expect nothing but the best of me always, and like it is said “learning is a continuous process”, I am ever open and ready to learn from both my seniors, my mates, and my juniors always.”
