FootballSports

AFCON 2023: CAF Snubs Nigerian Refs

15 Years Of Trading Blames

Confederation of African football today, confirmed the list of referees to officiate the Africa cup of nations tournament in Cotedevoir early next year.

5 Egyptian referees, 4 Algerian and 3 Moroccan referees are among 69 officials for the tournament.

This development makes it 15 years without producing a referee at the continental showpiece.

What’s The Criteria ?

That Nigerian Referees have not been deemed good enough to participate at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament is clear a sign that something is wrong.

At the moment, No FIFA listed Referees fits the call in the country. The criteria for selection utilized by FIFA includes factors like physique, qualification and experience , etc.

Are Our Refs Getting Unwarranted Negative Press

Nigerian Referees suffer a lot from the consequences of negative press and the failure of the system to protect them from danger “even when they have goofed”.

Sportsbreif lists these referees as best all time. I do not think I have ever seen a list of best Nigerian Refs.

What the International community reads about Nigerian Referees is only the negatives, without holding brief for anyone – it is not all bad.

Is it that we do not have or just can’t have a Colina or Gadzama from Nigeria ?

Do our Media outlets provide strategic communication of games managed by international Referees to put them in excellent public view. The answer is no.

Whose To Blame ?

Refereeing is not a full-time job in Nigeria, like anywhere in the world. However our system has led to Nigeria losing very good and experienced referees who whither away due without gaining recognition on the continent. 


The welfare of Referees in the country is poor and frustrates any self development plans – a key element in selection for International engagements.

Whatever efforts the Football federation through its affiliate Nigeria referees association (NRA) has implemented to assist our referees for almost two decades has failed woefully.

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