Sports
FIFA picks Nigerian referee for U-17 world cup
His recent performances have also earned him another major assignment, as he is scheduled to referee the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture between Cameroon and Comoros.
Nigeria will have a centre referee at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in 25 years after Zamfara-born referee Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam was selected for this year’s tournament in Qatar.
The 34-year-old is the only Nigerian centre referee named on FIFA’s list and one of four referees selected from Africa for the competition.
FIFA announced 81 match officials for the tournament, comprising 27 centre referees and 54 assistant referees from 36 member associations.
The selection marks a significant return for Nigeria, which has not had a centre referee at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a quarter of a century.
Abdulsalam’s selection marks the first time in 25 years that a Nigerian centre referee will officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The official has built considerable international experience, having participated in two CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments as well as several WAFU competitions.
His recent performances have also earned him another major assignment, as he is scheduled to referee the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture between Cameroon and Comoros.
Abdulsalam became a FIFA-listed referee in 2022 and has retained his international badge through the annual assessment process.
He was also the only Nigerian referee selected for the 2025 African Nations Championship.
FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina said the officials selected for the U-17 World Cup were among the organisation’s most promising match officials.
Collina said the appointments were based not only on the officials’ performances but also on their ability to operate effectively within international teams and cope with the demands of a major tournament.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup will give Abdulsalam another opportunity to gain experience on the global stage and further his development as an international referee.
Follow Us on Google Discover
We can’t stay indoors”: Sheda Farmers face double heat threat of crop loss and health risks: by Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí clinches 2026 Golden Boy award
BREAKING: INEC removes fake images, deceased persons from voter register ahead of 2027 elections – Amupitan
Enugu Air announces London flights, sets December 10 take-off date
Court Rejects Maihaja’s challenge to Wali’s emergence as Yobe APC guber candidate
‘Deliver your ward for Tinubu, get N10m’ — Wike tells FCT Councillors
‘Any Igbo man who refuses to vote for Peter Obi is an enemy of the Igbo people’ — Victor Umeh
ICPC raises charges against fake PFIPC DG Adeyemi, names four additional suspects
Reps demand accountability, greater oil production five years after PIA enactment
Tragedy as Edo APC chieftain dies after son allegedly attacks him over prophecy
VP Shettima honored with traditional title in Ebonyi
INEC warns politicians against ‘Rig and Die’ slogan, says electoral offenders will face prosecution
PSC names Salisu Bello Fago as new Niger State CP
2027: 375 Judges sworn in for election petition tribunals
COP31 opens as UN chief challenges world leaders to act on climate crisis
INEC warns politicians against ‘Rig and Die’ slogan, says electoral offenders will face prosecution
Tell Nigerians where you got money to build university – Tinubu
‘He is a crook, never studied at Chicago state University’ – Ex-lecturer Doherty challenges Tinubu’s academic claims
FG seeks $500m World Bank fresh loan to finance infrastructure as Tinubu’s tenure nears end
BEDC approves salary increase for all staff, begins implementation December 1
Keyamo: ADC will be on 2027 ballot, but Atiku may be excluded
‘After election, they will check under your bed for taxes’ — Kwankwaso takes swipe at Tinubu government
EPL: Man Utd rescue dramatic 4-4 draw against Villa as Chelsea suffer narrow defeat to Sunderland
Yoruba pioneered home videos, not Nollywood, Nkem Owoh clarifies
Nigerian Army restores official X account after cyberattack
Tragedy as Edo APC chieftain dies after son allegedly attacks him over prophecy
Panic as gunmen abduct mother, three sons in Enugu community
Nigerian Air Force announces major shake-up, appoints new commanders
Ugandan woman arrested with 87 cocaine wraps after church crusade in Lagos
