FIFA has officially released Nigeria’s International Referees List for 2026, with 30 match officials receiving approval to officiate in international competitions across different refereeing categories, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The annual list, published by the world football governing body, comprises referees and assistant referees who have successfully met FIFA’s strict technical, fitness, and performance standards, making them eligible for international assignments under CAF and FIFA competitions in the 2026 football calendar.
Nigeria’s representation cuts across men’s and women’s football, futsal, and beach soccer, reflecting the country’s steady progress in officiating development and the depth within the Nigeria Football Federation’s refereeing structure. The list balances experience and renewal, featuring long-serving officials alongside newly inducted referees.
Several seasoned officials retained their FIFA status after years of consistent performances at the international level. Among them are Pwadutakam Samuel, who continues as an Assistant Referee, Basheer Salisu, who remains on the list as a Referee, and Digbori Tejiri, also retained as an Assistant Referee. In futsal, experienced officials Ukah Ndubuisi and Musa Dung Davou once again earned FIFA approval, underlining their reliability in the fast-paced indoor format of the game.
Female representation also stood out prominently on the list, highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence in women’s football officiating globally. Officials such as Elaigwe Hannah Enekole, Olufunmilayo Abigael Alaba, Akintoye Yemisi, and Omotoye Tomilayo Oluwatosin were included, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in international women’s competitions and reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender balance in refereeing.
In futsal and beach soccer, Nigeria maintained a strong footprint with officials including Fawole Olawale Adeolu, Olajide Olayinka, Rabiu Ahmad, Bello Zuru Alhassan, Ojeleye John Tope, and Adejoh Noah, all earning FIFA recognition. Their inclusion signals the country’s expanding competence beyond traditional 11-a-side football and into specialised formats of the game.
The list spans multiple years of induction, with some officials first attaining FIFA status as far back as 2014, while others earned their maiden international listing in 2026. This range points to sustained investment in referee education, assessment, and promotion within the NFF framework.
With their approval, the 30 Nigerian officials are now eligible to officiate at major international tournaments, continental championships, and qualification matches throughout 2026, further enhancing Nigeria’s reputation and visibility on the global refereeing stage.