Patience Ndidamaka Madu is not only a distinguished PhD candidate at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but also a proud resident of Enugu State, home to the area known as Obiagu, or “Heart of a Lion.” Her reputation as a fearless and bold individual is evident in her role as a referee, where she remains unyielding in the face of intimidation, regardless of the gender of the players.
In every match, whether involving male or female teams, Patience Ndidamaka Madu exemplifies professionalism and a business-like demeanor. Her no-nonsense attitude was particularly evident during a tensed match between Ikorodu City and Remo Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
Thanks to her unwavering commitment to enforcing the rules of the game and her adept game management skills, she successfully maintained order on the field, preventing what could have been a chaotic situation in a match that ended in a draw.
An intriguing moment highlighted by Nigeria Whistlers occurred when Ahmed Akinyele, who had already received a yellow card, committed a foul that warranted further disciplinary action due to it being a Stopping Promising Attack (SPA). When Patience paused the game to issue a caution, followed by a red card for expulsion, the player reacted angrily, as captured in a circulating video. However, Patience, an experienced international referee with a history of officiating at two WAFCON tournaments, the Olympic women’s soccer championship, and numerous FIFA and CAF events, stood firm in her decision.
The courage, composure, and professionalism displayed by Patience Ndidamaka Madu during this match warrant recognition, leading to this special feature from Nigeria Whistlers showcasing highlights and photographs from the event.
