Sports World Cup: Keshi blames referee for Nigeria's elimination

[Chris Maduewesi]

Stephen Keshi has blamed the center referee for Nigeria's 2-0 to loss France which eliminated the Super Eagles out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Some refereeing decisions seemed to have gone against Nigeria in the game and Keshi added that USA official Mark Geiger,made wrong calls.

"This is the first time I will blame the referee for bad handling of a match. There is nothing I can do about that. He was the Alpha and Omega at that point in time,’’ Keshi said.

The 52-year old said the referee should not have ruled out Emanuel Emenike’s 16th minute goal for an offside.

Also the referee failed to send off Blaise Matuidi for a stamp on Ogenyi Onazi's ankle and didn't call for a penalty when Patrice Evra wrapped his arms around Osaze Odemwingie in the box.