Nigeria’s refereeing leadership has dismissed claims of a deliberate snub by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This concerns the selection of officials for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Many Nigerian football supporters questioned this absence. They wondered why a nation of Nigeria’s stature would not have officials included.

Sani Zubairu, President of the Nigeria Referees Association, has now offered clarity on the matter.

Zubairu, a retired FIFA referee, stated that suggestions of CAF shutting out Nigeria were unfair. He said they did not reflect the true situation.

“It is wrong to say Nigerian officials were neglected or ignored,” he told the Telegraph. “We were invited.”

He explained that two Nigerian officials with FIFA badges participated in the early selection stages. They attended CAF’s preparatory programmes in Egypt. However, their hopes ended during crucial assessments.

Zubairu stated, “A centre referee and an assistant referee were invited for a course in Egypt. Unfortunately, our referees did not pass the physical and technical test. As a result, they were dropped.”

He added, “That is the issue. It is very unfortunate. We were invited and given the opportunity, but we could not make it. That is the true position.”

CAF’s Rigorous Selection Process

Zubairu emphasized that CAF’s selection process is not a mere formality. He described it as a rigorous screening system. It examines officials on multiple fronts.

He explained, “An invitation means a screening exercise and a test. Officials must participate in physical, tactical, and medical assessments. From there, those chosen for the tournament are picked. This is what occurred.”

Officials from Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Gabon, Benin, Niger, and Mauritania are on the final list. Nigeria is notably absent. This makes Nigeria the only former AFCON champion in West Africa without a representative.

AFCON 2025 is scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

All selected officials must arrive in Morocco by December 15. They will undergo a demanding build-up. This includes fitness work, technical drills, and theoretical sessions before the tournament begins.