Football: 2019 Africa Cup of Nations |24 June 2019

Bernard Camille

Seychellois referee Camille handles well Nigeria/Burundi match

Seychellois referee Bernard Camille controlled Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations match during which substitute Odion Ighalo sparred Nigeria’s blushes with the game’s only goal in a 1-0 against rookies Burundi.

Camille was chosen by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to officiate Saturday’s first group B match between Nigeria and Burundi at the 20,000-capacity Alexandria Stadium.

Berne Tesfagiorgis O’Michael from Eritrea and Mohammed Ibrahim from Sudan were the assistant referees while Ahmad Heeralall of Mauritius was the fourth official.

“I feel proud and happy after controlling the match very well,” Camille told Sports NATION.

“This is my fourth appearance as a referee at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and I want to take it very seriously, especially because so many Seychellois criticise me saying I am not a good referee. They will judge for themselves how I fare in the competition,” added Camille.

This is the fourth time 43-year-old Camille officiates at the Afcon after 2013 in South Africa, 2015 in Equatorial Guinea and 2017 in Gabon.

China-based Shanghai Shenhua forward Ighalo, the leading scorer in the qualifying competition with seven goals, replaced Onuachu in the 73rd minute and broke the deadlock four minutes later by firing past the outrushing Nahimana after receiving a superb back-heeled pass from teammate Ola Aina.