U-20 AFCON: CAF snubs Nigerian referees, lists only one assistant, assessor

By Olaolu Joseph

No Nigerian referee will officiate at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

This follows the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to exclude Nigerian referees from officiating duties at the tournament.

CAF selected 14 referees from 13 countries to oversee matches in the competition, scheduled to take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025.

However, a Nigerian, Muhammad Yakubu, made the cut as an assistant referee, while Aminu Shuaibu was listed as a match assessor.

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are in Group A of the tournament alongside hosts Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.

The semi-finalists from the three-group championship will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile.