Once again, no Nigerian referee has made the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) list for officiating at the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) — a decision that raises eyebrows and demands deep reflection on the state of Nigerian officiating.

CAF on Wednesday unveiled the names of 29 centre referees and 29 assistant referees for the tournament set to run from August 2 to August 30, 2025, in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. While nations like Morocco and Algeria boast two centre referees each, Nigeria — Africa’s most populous nation and one of its footballing giants — remains conspicuously absent.

💭 Opinion: Why Are Nigerian Referees Missing in Action?

It’s not the first time this is happening — and that’s what makes it troubling.

This continued omission could be a reflection of deeper structural issues within the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) referee development systems: issues of training quality, fitness standards, match integrity, or perhaps a lack of international exposure.

Despite the immense talent and passion for football in Nigeria, our referees often remain underrepresented on the continental and global stage, casting a shadow on the nation’s domestic league credibility and international influence.

📢 A Call for Reform, Not Reactions

Rather than reacting emotionally to CAF’s snub, this should serve as a catalyst for change. The NFF and the Referees’ Association of Nigeria need to take bold steps — from better education, fitness regimes, and technology integration (VAR training) to actively lobbying for international slots.

Our referees deserve the spotlight. But we must first ensure they’re given the tools, environment, and recognition at home before they can thrive abroad.

📅 About CHAN 2024

What is CHAN?
A CAF competition exclusively for players plying their trade in their country’s domestic leagues.
Hosts: Tanzania 🇹🇿, Kenya 🇰🇪, and Uganda 🇺🇬
Duration: August 2 – August 30, 2025

⚖️ Until Nigerian referees are seen on these prestigious platforms, we must keep asking: Are we doing enough to support our own?

🗣️ Share your thoughts: Why do you think Nigerian referees are constantly overlooked? What can be done to reverse this trend?

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