Abuja, Nigeria: In a promising development for Nigerian football, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has selected 30 Nigerian referees to join its international duty lists for the upcoming year. This diverse group, comprising 11 referees, 11 assistant referees, 4 beach soccer referees, and 4 futsal referees, reflects a growing pool of Nigerian talent officiating at the highest levels.
“This is a significant moment for Nigerian refereeing,” declared Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “Having 30 officials recognized by FIFA showcases the dedication and skills of our referees, and opens doors for them to officiate prestigious international matches.”
The selected referees include established names like Basheer Salisu, Ogabor Joseph, and Olufunmilayo Alaba, who have already made their mark on the domestic and continental scenes. Rising stars like Elaigwe Enekole, Akintoye Eunice, and Egba John also find themselves on the list, highlighting the depth of talent in the pipeline.
Assistant referees also received well-deserved recognition, with Pwadutakam Samuel, Igudia Efosa Celestine, and Abibatu Iyadunni among those earning FIFA’s nod. This bodes well for Nigeria’s overall officiating team, ensuring a strong supporting cast on the sidelines.
Beyond traditional football, Nigeria’s presence in futsal and beach soccer also received a boost. Ukah Odigomma, Musa Davou, Umuago Akpome, and Bello Zuru Alhassan will represent the country in futsal, while Ogunmuyiwa Jelili, Fawole Adeolu, Olajide Olayinka, and Rabiu Ahmad will officiate beach soccer matches. This diversification underlines Nigeria’s commitment to fostering talent across various football disciplines.
The inclusion of 30 Nigerian referees on FIFA’s international duty lists signifies a watershed moment for the country’s officiating scene. It not only provides individual opportunities for the selected officials but also raises the profile of Nigerian refereeing on the global stage. With dedication and continuous improvement, these 30 ambassadors can pave the way for even greater recognition in the years to come.