FIFA has officially released Nigeria’s International Refereeing List for 2026, confirming 30 Nigerian match officials approved to officiate international competitions across multiple refereeing categories.
The annual list, published by world football’s governing body, features referees and assistant referees who have met FIFA and CAF’s strict requirements and are cleared to handle international fixtures. Nigeria’s representation spans men’s and women’s football, futsal, and beach soccer, underscoring the nation’s growing reputation and consistency in football officiating.
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Nigeria’s FIFA International Match Officials – 2026
Referees & Assistant Referees (CAF)
1. Samuel Pwadutakam – Assistant Referee (2014)
2. Basheer Salisu – Referee (2016)
3. Digbori Tejiri – Assistant Referee (2016)
4. Hannah Elaigwu – Referee (Female, 2017)
5. Ogabor Joseph Odey – Referee (2017)
6. Usman Abdulmajeed Olaide – Assistant Referee (2017)
7. Abdullahi Abubakar – Referee (2018)
8. Nurudeen Abubakar – Referee (2019)
9. Abibatu Iyadunni Stockl – Assistant Referee (Female, 2019)
10. Mustapha Grema Mohammed – Referee (2020)
11. Olufunmilayo Abigael Alaba – Referee (Female, 2020)
12. Mfon Akpan – Assistant Referee (Female, 2020)
13. Akintoye Yemisi – Referee (Female, 2021)
14. Terah Kabeda Beauty – Assistant Referee (Female, 2021)
15. Abdulsalam Kasimu Abiola – Referee (2022)
16. Ahmad Mustapha Tijjani – Assistant Referee (2023)
17. Muhammad Muhamud Yakubu – Assistant Referee (2023)
18. Egba Patrick John – Referee (2024)
19. Agbons Faith – Assistant Referee (Female, 2024)
20. Omada Emmanuel – Assistant Referee (2025)
21. Omotoye Tomilayo Oluwatosin – Referee (Female, 2026)
22. Lawal Ridwan Temitope – Assistant Referee (2026)
Futsal Referees (CAF)
23. Ukah Ndubuisi Odigomma (2014)
24. Musa Dung Davou (2015)
25. Bello Zuru Alhassan (2020)
26. Ojeleye John Tope (2025)
Beach Soccer Referees (CAF)
27. Fawole Olawale Adeolu (2016)
28. Olajide Olayinka (2018)
29. Rabiu Ahmad (2019)
30. Adejoh Noah (2025)
Growing Global Presence
The officials on the list are now eligible to officiate CAF and FIFA-sanctioned competitions in 2026, including continental championships, international tournaments, and qualification matches.
Nigeria’s strong representation—particularly the balance across genders and officiating disciplines—reflects sustained investment in referee development and positions the country as a reliable contributor to global football governance.
With these appointments, Nigeria further strengthens its footprint on the international refereeing stage ahead of a busy 2026 football calendar.
