AFCON 2025: Nigeria Referees’ Chief Explains CAF Snub

AFCON 2025: Nigeria Referees’ Chief Explains CAF Snub

Sampson Adedeji

President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Sanni Zubairu, has explained why no Nigerian match official was selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Last Friday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a list of 94 referees, instructors, and assessors shortlisted for the preparatory course ahead of the tournament with no Nigerian included.

According to Zubairu, Nigerian referees failed to meet CAF’s selection criteria, which focused on fitness, theoretical knowledge, and proficiency with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

 “It is because we are not qualified to be there,” Zubairu told PUNCH correspondent.

“Being a FIFA referee doesn’t automatically mean you’re qualified. The only elite referee we have went for the tests but didn’t pass.”

He further explained that referee development is a gradual process and that efforts are ongoing to upgrade Nigerian officials to elite level.

“Yes, we have referees in the country, but it’s like being in a university there are different levels. Every year, we have courses and exams, and when our officials are invited for elite tests and pass, we’ll be back on track,” he added.