The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the official list of referees and match officials selected to begin preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Notably, no Nigerian referee has been included in the lineup, continuing a 19-year drought since a Nigerian last officiated at the center of Africa’s premier football tournament.
The selected officials are set to converge in Cairo, Egypt, from November 8-13, for an intensive training camp designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to officiate at the highest level during the tournament.
The camp will focus on enhancing refereeing standards, including the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, physical fitness, and match management techniques.
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The absence of Nigerian referees from CAF’s list has sparked discussions within the Nigerian football community, with many expressing disappointment over the continued exclusion.
Several factors contribute to this gap, including limited investment in referee training and inconsistent domestic officiating standards.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to comment on the exclusion but faces growing calls to prioritize referee development programs to restore Nigeria’s presence on the continental stage.
As Africa gears up for the 35th edition of AFCON, the selected officials will play a critical role in ensuring fair play and upholding the tournament’s reputation as a showcase of African football excellence.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
