No Nigerian Match Official Selected For FIFA U20 World Cup In Chile

In a surprising move, the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile has not included any Nigerian match officials in its appointed list, raising questions about the nation’s refereeing standards.

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Background of the Selection

In a development that has raised eyebrows within Nigerian football circles, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the list of match officials for the upcoming 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile—lacking any representation from Nigeria. The tournament, scheduled from September 27 to October 19, will feature 32 nations, including Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, who will be vying for global glory.

Lack of Representation

Despite Nigeria’s rich history and active participation in youth tournaments, FIFA has overlooked all Nigerian referees and assistant referees for this prestigious event. This omission has sparked discussions about the current state of refereeing standards and development within the country.

African Representation

Africa will send nine officials to this tournament, including three center referees and six assistant referees. Morocco will stand out with three representatives, while other African nations like Algeria, Ethiopia, and Benin will also have their officials at the event.

Selected African Referees:

Artan Omar Abdulkadir (Somalia)
Gamouh Youcef (Algeria)
Jayed Jalal (Morocco)

African Assistant Referees Selected:

Ayimavo Eric (Benin)
Montenegro Abelmiro (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Hassani Khalil (Tunisia)
Cheruiyot Gilbert (Kenya)
Azgaou Lahsen (Morocco)
Akarkad Mostafa (Morocco)

Call to Action

The absence of Nigerian officials at such a high-profile tournament represents a significant setback. It highlights the need for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Referees’ Association to invest in training, exposure, and international certification for referees. Moving forward, it is crucial that Nigeria re-establishes its relevance on the global officiating stage.

This notable omission serves as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to prioritize the development of refereeing, fostering a brighter future for Nigerian football.