Belgrade - Bosnian media and fans were furious at New Zealand referees Sunday after their team's 0-1 loss to Nigeria and elimination from their first World Cup.
“Theft in Cuiaba - Bosnia says goodbye after shameful refereeing,” the Sarajevo daily Dnevni Avaz said.
“Bosnia's regular goal disallowed, then handed as a present to Nigeria,” fumed the Nezavisne Novine from Banjaluka.
Edin Dzeko's 20th-minute goal was ruled an offside. Eight minutes later Emenike plowed through a Bosnian defender to deliver Odemwingie for the winning goal.
Bosnian media insist that Dzeko was not in an illegal position and that Nigeria scored after Emenike had committed a foul.
After losing their maiden World Cup appearance against Argentina, Bosnia are left without a chance of advancing past the group stage.
“Bosnia were better throughout the match ... but are going home, partly owing to amateur referees, partly to endless flopping by Nigerians,” Avaz said.
“We hope that (the world football organization) FIFA will finally realize the horror it creates by allowing people like Peter O'Leary to referee,” the news portal Klix.ba said.
The other former Yugoslav republic at the World Cup, Croatia, also bitterly complained of refereeing in their opener and 1-2 loss to hosts Brazil.
Sapa-dpa