CAF Explains Why Nigerian Referees Were Not Selected for AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has shed light on the absence of Nigerian referees among the officials selected for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and other continental football tournaments.

Noumandiez Doue, Head of Refereeing at CAF, addressed the issue during a CAF referees training session in Abidjan.

For the past 18 years, no Nigerian referee has been picked to officiate at the biennial AFCON competition, sparking debate and anxiety among the Nigerian football community. Doue highlighted that, while Nigerian referees are certainly qualified, the CAF’s selection standards prioritize quality.

Doue justified the decision by stating that CAF seeks the greatest referees on the continent, and that simply competency is insufficient for AFCON selection. He welcomed Nigerian referees’ progress but asked them to strive for greatness in order to compete with the best.

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According to Doue, the selection process involves evaluating referees at various stages, starting from young talent to elite B, elite A, and professional levels. Referees selected for AFCON typically emerge from the elite B category, showcasing their exceptional skills and competence.

The explanation from CAF provides insights into the rigorous and competitive nature of the referee selection process for prestigious tournaments like AFCON. It also serves as a call to action for Nigerian referees to continue improving their standards and strive for excellence in order to feature in continental competitions.