CAFCL/CC: Nigerian Referees Snubbed Again For Elite Course

CAFCL/CC: Nigerian Referees Snubbed Again For Elite Course

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the list of referees selected for its upcoming elite course, but once again, no Nigerian officials cut BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite Nigerian referees officiating in the preliminary rounds of inter-club competitions, none were included in the final selection for the elite training program.

CAF has shortlisted 25 centre referees, 31 assistant referees, and six Video Assistant Referees (VAR) for the course, which will take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from March 11 to 15, 2025.

Selected Referees-

Center Referees: Ghorbal Mustapha, Gamouh Youcef, Djindo Louis Hougnadande, Ndabihawenimana Pacifique, Alhadji Allaou Mahamat, Traore Ibrahim Kalilou, Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo, Omar Amin Mohamed Omar, Mohamed Mansour Maarouf, Mahmoud Zakaria Elbana, Weyesa Bamlak Tessema, Atcho Pierre Ghislain, Mebiame Patrice Tanguy, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, Kamaku Peter Waweru, Ibrahim A Mutaz, Traore Boubou, Dahane Beida, Abdel Aziz Bouh, Jalal Jayed, Uwikunda Samuel, Sy Issa, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Abongile Tom and Mahmood Ali Mahmood Ismail.

Assistant Referees:

Abbes Akram Zerhouni, Gilbert Cheruiyot Kipkoech, Ayimavo Aymar Elrich Eric, Souru Phatsoane, Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue, Dimbiniaina Andriatianarivelo, Mahmoud Ahmed K. Aboelregal, Azgaou Lahsen, Tiama Seydou, Hassani Khalil, Mohamed Abdallah Ibrahim A, Djibril Camara, Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed, Amsaed Attia M. Essa, Mokrane Gourari, Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos, Ahonto Koffi Jonathan, Akarkad Mostafa, Viembe Stephen Eleazar Onyango, Zakaria Brinsi, Arsenio Chadreque Maringule, N'Goh Adou Hermann Desire, Ahmed Hossameldin Taha, Lopes Ivanildo Meirelles De O Sanches, Nouha Bangoura, Modibo Samake, Ditsoga Bons Marlaise, Dos Reis Monte Negro Abelmiro, Atezambong Fomo Carine, Diana Chikotesha and Fatiha Jermoumi.

VAR Officials:

Mahmoud Ashour, Lahlou Benbraham, Samir Guezzaz, Haythem Guirat, Heeralial Ahmed Imtehaz, Salima Mukansanga.

Nigerian referees have repeatedly missed out on CAF’s elite course selection in recent years, raising concerns about the country’s officiating standards and representation at the highest levels of African football.