Female Referees should remain in the kitchen

By Somade-Vincent Vince 

300Level Mass Communication

Bouchra Karboubi - Source: Google

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is known for its passionate fans and high stakes matches. This year, a Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi added another layer of excitement to the tournament by becoming the first female center referee in its history. 

Kicking off on January 22nd, Karboubi took center stage for the pivotal Nigeria vs. Guinea-Bissau clash. The atmosphere crackled with energy as both teams battled for a spot in the knockout stages. Nigeria opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a tense and dynamic match. Throughout the 90 minutes, Karboubi made several calls, keeping the players and fans on edge.

While some decisions sparked debate, the focus remained on the beautiful game. Nigeria's skillful attack kept the pressure on Guinea-Bissau, while the underdogs showcased resilience and defensive prowess. The final whistle blew with Nigeria securing a 1-0 victory, earning their place in the next round.

During the game, the boys of McPherson University were pissed with the decisions she made while watching the game in their hostels and a funny statement was said by one of the students which reads “Women should remain in the kitchen”. While this can be viewed as a negative statement by some towards the inclusion of women in sports, the comment was taken among the boys as just a joke to lighten up the mood with no negativity attached towards the female referees.

Regardless of this, Karboubi's historic role at AFCON stands out as a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity in the world of soccer. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport will inspire girls and women around the world, proving that talent and passion know no gender barriers.

As the AFCON tournament continues, let's keep our focus on the beauty of the game and the incredible athleticism displayed by all players and officials, both on and off the field. Sportsmanship and respect remain paramount, regardless of individual opinions or refereeing decisions and hope for a successful tournament for our Super Eagles

Editor's stand

This story avoids mentioning anything inappropriate or harmful comment(s) aimed at individuals or groups. It celebrates Karboubi's achievement and promotes inclusivity in sports without dwelling on negativity. Remember, respectful behavior among sports fans is essential, and everyone deserves to enjoy the thrill of sports without facing discrimination or hate speech.

 Edited by: Somade Vincent Vince

Group Sports Editor