CAF Names 2026 World Cup Officials, Nigerians Left Out
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
CAF 2026 World Cup Referee List Excludes Nigeria
THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the list of African referees and video assistants selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to hold in the United States, Mexico, and Canada—but no Nigerian official made the cut.
CAF’s announcement features a mix of experienced and emerging talents across the continent. Notable names include Algeria’s Mustapha Ghorbal, Egypt’s Amin Omar, Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho, DR Congo’s Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, and Mauritania’s Dahane Beida. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team comprises Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham, Egypt’s Mahmoud Ashour, and Eswatini’s Letticia Viana.
The exclusion of Nigeria has generated surprise and criticism, particularly given the nation’s historic presence in CAF officiating. Highly-rated Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was also unexpectedly omitted, a decision that has overshadowed other appointments and fueled debate about transparency in the selection process.
CAF explained that officials were chosen following “rigorous assessments of consistency, experience, and performance in continental and international fixtures.” Yet, many in Nigeria and across Africa question why the country, a leading footballing nation, will have no representation at the sport’s biggest stage.
Football analysts suggest this omission may reflect broader challenges facing African referees in gaining recognition globally, and raise calls for improved development programs and international exposure for Nigerian officials.
The 2026 World Cup presents an opportunity for African referees to showcase their expertise on a global platform, but the absence of Nigerian referees highlights the need for stronger investment in referee training, mentorship, and support.
