Former Super Eagles midfielder, Wasiu Ipaye, has described his failure to play in Europe as the biggest regret of his football career.
Ipaye, who featured for Nigeria between 1989 and 1995, made this known in an exclusive interview with The Eagle Online on Monday.
Despite travelling across Africa and representing top clubs, he said the absence of a European move still weighs on him.
He also turned attention to officiating in the Nigerian league, insisting it has contributed to the country’s struggles internationally.
Ipaye said: “Officiating in our league is not too good.
“That is what has been hurting us whenever we go and play at the international stage.”
He alleged a deep-rooted bias in domestic competitions.
He said: “Here in Nigeria, some referees are on clubs payrolls.
“It is true, but it is not the best.
“Referees know how to kill the game, if they want to harm teams.
“Imagine referees giving players red card before a match or threatening players with red card before a match.”
According to Ipaye, the consequences are evident on the continental stage.
He said: “It is saddening that we played Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers and no single referee from Nigeria was chosen to officiate.”
He noted that referees from Benin, Tanzania, and Niger were selected instead, adding: “That means we are not too competent.”
Ipaye urged Nigerian referees to resist inducements.
He said: “If somebody gives you money, do what is your mind, highest don’t collect it.”
He also called on the FA and the chairman of the referees’ association to intervene, linking violence against match officials to situations where money is allegedly collected but expectations are not met.
On how Nigerian football can improve, Ipaye pointed at management.
He said: “Our management is our problem, we have to say the fact.
“If you do the right thing, you will get good result.
