Outrage As Nigeria Misses Out Again As CAF Selects Referees For 2025 AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the official list of referees, assistants, and technical officials selected to officiate at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco — but Nigeria has once again been left out.

The 35th edition of the continental tournament will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six Moroccan cities. CAF confirmed that 94 officials, including 33 referees, 36 assistants, and 11 VAR officers, will attend a preparatory course in Cairo, Egypt, from November 8 to 13. The training will cover fitness drills, match management, and VAR operations to ensure consistent officiating standards throughout the competition.

Nigeria’s exclusion marks nearly two decades since a Nigerian referee last took part in the AFCON. The last was Emmanuel Imiere, who officiated in the 2006 edition in Egypt. Despite the Super Eagles’ qualification for the upcoming tournament under coach Augustine Eguavoen, Nigerian officials remain absent from CAF’s officiating setup.

Sports photojournalist Oluwafemi Adeyemi lamented the development, saying internal politics and favouritism have hindered growth in Nigerian officiating. “To be sincere with you, we have very good and capable referees in Nigeria who are qualified to handle matches both locally and at the world level,” he said.

“But politics played by some powerful people at the helm of affairs often hinders the chances of Nigerian referees. They also lack access to modern equipment required to compete at the highest level,” Adeyemi added.

The absence has stirred widespread debate online, with many Nigerians expressing mixed feelings.

@niyitintin said there was a need for authorities to intervene: “There’s a need for the NFF to address this issue. We can’t continue with such a trend. A proper delegate from the NFF should be discussing with the CAF and their referee committee to work out a plan. If there’s something they are doing wrong, let it be addressed.”

@SirNick0 blamed the problem on lack of investment: “NFF don swallow the money meant to train referees. Have you seen them send referees outside the continent for training for past years? So they think FIFA and CAF don’t take notes.”

@FridayObaje maintained that the decision was right: “Good to hear this. I was telling someone last week about the absence of Nigerian referees from both continental and international tournaments. The nominees should please distinguish themselves by playing to the rules irrespective of any pressure to compromise standards.”

@emede_villa linked the issue to broader governance failures: “Any organisation that abhors corruption must steer clear of Nigerians, they have refused to distance themselves from graft at all levels of governance.”

@Eluemunor_ criticized the integrity of local referees: “You need integrity and professionalism to officiate at international competitions. You think CAF and UEFA would want to tolerate all the rubbish we see weekly in the NPFL?”

@real_onuoha mocked the system: “So, after spending 200k USD on training coaches from the millions of dollars allocated by footballing bodies, 9ja coaches couldn’t make it to the CAF list. Those azamen suppose to light themselves up at Eagle Square by 2 pm on a hot, sunny day.”

@earthkumy expressed frustration: “Nigeria don’t have any good referees. Nigerian referees are as good as how much you are able to buy the match. That’s what everyone knows for now.”

However, @LtdShod2321 took offense at the growing criticism, saying, “You guys should keep posting rubbish about us and see how we’re being treated because of that. A Gambian lady telling that she heard about our corruption, can you imagine?”

Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has made a major announcement regarding preparations for the AFCON amid ongoing civil unrest in Morocco, where two people reportedly lost their lives when security operatives opened fire on protesters attempting to break into a police station in Lqliaa, Agadir.

Nigeria’s continued exclusion has now reopened old debates about corruption, training, and leadership within its football administration — and whether genuine reforms can restore credibility to its officiating ranks.

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