AFCON 2025: CAF To Appoint Referee For Nigeria, Algeria Clash In Secret

AFCON 2025: CAF To Appoint Referee For Nigeria, Algeria Clash In Secret

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has resolved to appoint the referees for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria in secrecy, amid growing tension surrounding officiating decisions at the tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision was reached following a two-hour meeting involving match officials currently on duty at the tournament in Morocco.

During the meeting, the CAF Referees Committee imposed strict confidentiality measures on the selection and communication of refereeing teams for key fixtures.

According to information gathered, the secrecy directive applies not only to the Nigeria versus Algeria encounter but also to matches involving Egypt and host nation Morocco, as concerns continue to mount over referee neutrality and appointment patterns.

CAF officials reportedly informed referees that they would no longer be publicly designated in advance. Instead, match officials will receive their appointments individually via email, a move aimed at reducing external pressure and speculation.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of refereeing decisions at AFCON 2025, with several teams and football stakeholders expressing dissatisfaction over recent appointments and performances.

CAF is expected to maintain this confidential approach for the remainder of the knockout stage as the tournament enters a decisive phase.