By Kayode John
Numerous Nigerians have urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate and punish Egyptian referee, Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour, after he ruled out what appeared to be a legitimate goal by Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, in the 0-0 draw with Rwanda on Tuesday.
Nigeria and Rwanda faced off at the newly refurbished Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The controversial moment arrived in the 22nd minute of the clash. Ola Aina made a long throw-in, which was flicked on into the box by Semi Ajayi, and in-form Lookman beat the goalkeeper with a header.
Mansour initially seemed to point to a non-existent infringement by Ajayi, before changing his mind to signal an offside.
The referee was confronted by a few Eagles players, who were baffled by the decision as there cannot be an offside from a throw-in.
Nigerians felt it was daylight robbery and took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to blast the Egyptian.
An X user, @Geebaba2010, reminded the referee that there is no offside from throw-ins in football.
“@CAF_Online , your referee named disallowed a very clean goal scored by Ademola Lookman with the claim of an offside from a throw-in.
“When did you guys enact this funny rule?. This is really disgraceful!!!. He should be thoroughly investigated & punished,” he wrote.
Another user of the microblogging platform, SportsDokita, condemned officiating in African football.
“I will never understand officiating in African matches at times because someone explain to me how this is offside from a throw in!!!!! The officials should be ashamed of themselves!!!” he stated.
Another user, @therealVictor01, wrote: “Africa needs to do better. When did throw in turn offside @CAF_Online.”
Also, another user, @JuanHeart2016, wrote: “So this is offside? Please, who is going to explain this to me?”
Another X user, Buchi Laba, said the Moroccan official needs to be investigated.
“The referee said offside was the reason why he canceled the goal !! Offside doesn’t count for throw ins!! He should be investigated!”
He stressed his point by adding emojis of a clown to the comment.
Despite the draw, the Super Eagles stay on top of their qualifying group with four points from two matches, followed by Rwanda with two.
