FIFA, the world football governing body, has granted approval for 30 Nigerian referees to be included in the international duty lists for the year 2024. This selection comprises 11 referees, 11 assistant referees, four beach soccer referees, and four futsal referees.
The Nigeria Football Federation’s Director of Communications, Mr. Ademola Olajire, released a statement in Abuja on Thursday, providing the names of the referees included. The approved referees include Basheer Salisu, Ogabor Odey Joseph, Olufunmilayo Abigael Alaba, Nurudeen Abubakar, and Abdulsalam, among others.
The list of approved assistant referees features individuals such as Pwadutakam Samuel, Igudia Efosa Celestine, Abibatu Iyadunni, Muhammad Yakubu, Mfon Friday Akpan, and Digbori Tejiri.
Additionally, Usman Abdulmajeed Olaide, Igho Hope Ogenekewe, Terah Kabenda Beauty, Ahmad Mustapha Tijjani, and Agbons Faith are among those approved.
Ukah Odigomma, Musa Davou, Umuago Akpome, and Bello Zuru Alhassan have been included in the futsal soccer list, while Ogunmuyiwa Jelili, Fawole Adeolu, Olajide Olayinka, and Rabiu Ahmad are listed for beach soccer.
This announcement follows a previous disappointment for Nigerian referees, as none of them made the official 85-match list for the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast.
