AFCON 2025: No Nigerian Referee Makes CAF List — 19-Year Absence Continues

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By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi 

Nigeria’s long wait for representation among elite referees at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has continued, as no Nigerian official made the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) shortlist for its AFCON 2025 preparatory training camp.

The latest exclusion means it has now been 19 years since a Nigerian referee last took charge at the centre of Africa’s biggest football tournament — a drought that dates back to the 2006 edition of the competition.

CAF on Thursday released the list of selected referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials scheduled to undergo an intensive pre-tournament training ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, but conspicuously missing were any names from Nigeria.

Football analysts have described the recurring absence as a worrying reflection of the decline in Nigeria’s officiating standards, despite the country’s rich football history and strong presence in the continental game.

A former Nigerian referee, who spoke under anonymity, expressed disappointment, blaming the situation on poor referee development structures, administrative neglect, and alleged internal politics within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“It’s embarrassing that a country of Nigeria’s football pedigree cannot boast of one referee good enough to officiate at AFCON,” he said. “We need to return to merit-based appointments, invest in modern training, and protect referees from internal interference.”

Observers note that while nations like Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa continue to produce officials recognized by CAF and FIFA, Nigeria has lagged behind, raising questions about the effectiveness of the Referees’ Committee and domestic league integrity.

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