Nigerian FIFA referee Yemisi Akintoye has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as one of the match officials for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
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Akintoye earned her place on the prestigious officiating team after successfully completing CAF’s mandatory medical, fitness and technical assessments, reaffirming her status among Africa’s top referees.
The appointment marks a significant achievement for the Nigerian official, who will make her debut at the continent’s biggest women’s football tournament.
It also represents a welcome boost for Nigerian refereeing, which has had limited representation at major CAF competitions in recent years.
Her selection is seen as recognition of her consistency, professionalism and commitment to officiating at the highest level.
It also reflects the confidence CAF has in her ability to handle matches on one of Africa’s biggest football stages.
Akintoye’s inclusion is expected to inspire a new generation of Nigerian referees, particularly women aspiring to build careers in football officiating.
Her achievement demonstrates that dedication, hard work and continuous development can open doors to elite continental competitions.
As the countdown to the 2026 WAFCON continues, Akintoye will carry Nigeria’s flag with pride, hoping to deliver outstanding performances that could further strengthen the country’s reputation in football officiating and create more opportunities for Nigerian referees in future CAF and FIFA tournaments.
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