Zamfara-Born Abdulsalam Ends 25-Year Wait for Non-Nigerian World Cup Referee

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By Desmond

Zamfara-born Nigerian referee, Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam, has ended Nigeria’s 25-year wait for a centre referee at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup after being selected among the match officials for the 2026 tournament in Qatar.

The 34-year-old is the only Nigerian named among the centre referees and one of four officials from Africa selected for the role. His appointment makes him only the second Nigerian centre referee in the history of the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Abdulsalam’s selection is a major milestone in his refereeing career. He earned his FIFA international referee badge in 2022 and has since maintained his status through annual evaluations. He has officiated at two CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and several WAFU competitions.

He was also the only Nigerian referee selected for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), further adding to his growing international profile.

His latest appointment comes as FIFA continues to use the U-17 World Cup as a platform for developing promising match officials for future senior international competitions. FIFA Referees Committee Chairman, Pierluigi Collina, said the selected officials were chosen for their performances, teamwork and ability to cope with the demands of major international tournaments.

Abdulsalam has also been appointed to officiate the forthcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Cameroon and Comoros, another indication of his increasing responsibilities on the international stage.

The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches.

For Abdulsalam, the tournament represents more than a personal achievement. His selection restores Nigerian representation among the centre referees at the global youth championship after a quarter-century absence and provides another opportunity for him to establish himself on the international stage.

Source: Daily Trust report

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