The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the full roster of 73 match officials selected to oversee the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.The prestigious tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The appointed team is a comprehensive group of Africa’s top refereeing talent, consisting of 28 center referees, 31 assistant referees, and 14 Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials.
This contingent has been drawn from across the continent’s regions, featuring some of its most seasoned professionals who have proven their mettle in numerous high-stakes CAF competitions.
However, the announcement was met with immediate scrutiny in one of Africa’s football powerhouses, as the detailed list revealed a stark omission: for the upcoming tournament, not a single referee from Nigeria was appointed. This absence is particularly striking given Nigeria’s consistent production of top-tier footballing talent and its vibrant domestic league.
The selected officials are mandated to arrive in Morocco by December 15, 2025, for a rigorous, week-long preparatory camp. This intensive course, overseen by CAF’s Referees Department, is designed to ensure the highest possible standards.
This meticulous selection and preparation process is a cornerstone of CAF’s stated mission to uphold refereeing excellence and competition integrity. By investing in this elite group, the governing body aims to enhance the technical standards of the tournament, ensuring that the focus remains on the quality of football.
Yet, the complete exclusion of Nigerian officials raises questions about the current state of refereeing development within the nation and underscores the intense competition for a spot at the continent’s most celebrated football event.
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