FIFA Releases Nigeria’s 2026 International Referees List As 30 Officials Earn Global Approval

FIFA Releases Nigeria’s 2026 International Referees List As 30 Officials Earn Global Approval

Sampson Adedeji 

FIFA has officially unveiled Nigeria’s International Referees List for 2026, with 30 Nigerian match officials receiving approval to officiate in international competitions across different refereeing categories, BSNSports.com.ng reports 

The list, released annually by the world football governing body, features referees and assistant referees who have met FIFA’s stringent requirements and are cleared to handle international fixtures under CAF and FIFA assignments. 

Nigeria’s strong presence spans men’s and women’s football, futsal, and beach soccer, highlighting the country’s steady progress and depth in football officiating.

According to the list, Nigeria’s FIFA international officials for 2026 include experienced referees as well as newly inducted officials, reflecting a balance of continuity and growth within the refereeing ranks.

Among those retained are seasoned officials such as Pwadutakam Samuel (Assistant Referee), Ukah Ndubuisi and Musa Dung Davou (Futsal Referees), Basheer Salisu (Referee), and Digbori Tejiri (Assistant Referee). 

The list also features prominent female officials including Elaigwe Hannah Enekole, Olufunmilayo Abigael Alaba, Akintoye Yemisi, and Omotoye Tomilayo Oluwatosin, underscoring Nigeria’s increasing female representation at the global level.

In futsal and beach soccer, Nigeria continues to make its mark with referees like Fawole Olawale Adeolu, Olajide Olayinka, Rabiu Ahmad, Bello Zuru Alhassan, Ojeleye John Tope, and Adejoh Noah earning FIFA recognition.

The full list of approved officials cuts across different years of induction, from long-serving referees first listed in 2014 to new entrants inducted in 2026, demonstrating sustained development within the Nigeria Football Federation’s refereeing structure.

Their inclusion makes them eligible to officiate major international tournaments, continental championships, and qualification matches throughout the 2026 football calendar, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence and reputation on the global refereeing stage.