FIFA names Nigerian referee among 81 officials for U-17 World Cup

The Nigerian football federation (NFF) will experience a historic moment when Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam, a referee from Zamfara state, becomes the first Nigerian centre referee to officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Abdulsalam, 34 years old, is the only Nigerian representative among the 81 officials selected for the tournament, which includes 27 referees and 54 assistant referees from 36 member associations.

Abdulsalam is a veteran referee with considerable international experience, having taken part in two CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and various WAFU competitions. He joined the FIFA-listed referees in 2022 and maintained his international status through the annual assessment process. Abdulsalam was also selected for the 2025 African Nations Championship, making him the only Nigerian representative in that prestigious competition as well.

FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina praised the officials chosen for the U-17 World Cup, stating that they were among the organisation's most promising match officials. The appointments were not solely based on performance but also on the officials' ability to function effectively within international teams and handle the challenges of a major tournament.

Abdulsalam's selection marks a significant milestone for Nigerian football, as he will have yet another opportunity to hone his skills on the global stage. He is also scheduled to referee the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture between Cameroon and Comoros.