AFCON 2021: CAF snubs Nigerian referees

No Nigerian referee will be at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off January 9.

This was confirmed after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) published a list of officials for the tournament.

No Nigerian referee has been listed to take charge at AFCON in the last 13 years.

This dates back to 2008 when Ghana hosted it.

Samuel Pwadutakam, however, makes it into the assistant refs list for next month’s continental showpiece.

CAF’s list is made up of 63 match officials: 24 referees, 31 assistant referees and eight video assistant referees from 36 countries.

“The match officials were selected based on their experience, skills and current form. In recent months, they have been subjected to several aptitude tests through preparation courses and real competitive matches.

Only the best will officiate at this extraordinary event. The roster includes two referees from the CONCACAF as part of our inter-confederation skills exchange program,” CAF Director of Refereeing Eddy Maillet said.