Former Nigerian midfielder Duke Udi has revealed that officiating in the NPFL this season will have a positive impact on the performance of Rivers United on the continent.

Rivers United are Nigeria’s sole representative on the Continent and speaking in a chat with FL, Duke Udi claims that the inability of teams to win away matches in the league affected Nigerian teams.

“This is what we’ve been talking about, to be like the European league; where there is no home and away syndrome because that has eaten deep into our football system, clubs here don’t have the confidence to play outside their comfort zone even on the continental level.

“It affected us a lot, but with this new trend now, the clubs now know you can lose at home and go away to win and it has taken the away the fear factor.”

“The high security given to the referees by the IMC means the officials can do their work well in a conducive atmosphere, and it is the result we are seeing. When the referee can do their work with confidence then anybody can beat anybody anywhere and on a good day if your not strong at home you will be beaten.”