Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam, a 34-year-old Nigerian referee, has been selected to officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. He is the only Nigerian among the centre referees named for the competition and one of four African referees chosen for the role. Abdulsalam's appointment marks a significant return for Nigeria, which has not had a centre referee at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for 25 years. His selection is a notable achievement for Nigerian football.
Abdulsalam's journey to this milestone began with his appointment as a FIFA-listed international referee in 2022. He has since retained his badge through the annual assessment process. The Nigerian official has gained international experience through his involvement in two CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and several WAFU competitions. His recent performances have also earned him more international assignments, including the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Cameroon and Comoros.
FIFA has selected 81 match officials for the tournament, including referees and assistant referees from different parts of the world. The selection process was based on performance and the ability to work effectively with international teams and handle the demands of a major tournament. According to FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina, the officials selected for the U-17 World Cup were among the organisation's most promising referees.
Abdulsalam's selection for the FIFA U-17 World Cup provides him with another opportunity to gain experience on the global stage as he continues to build his refereeing career. The tournament will be a significant test for the Nigerian referee, who has already established himself as one of the leading match officials in Africa. His appointment to the 2025 African Nations Championship further solidified his reputation as a top referee.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup will take place in Qatar, with the exact dates to be announced. The tournament is expected to feature teams from around the world, competing for the top prize in youth football. Abdulsalam's participation in the tournament is a source of pride for Nigerian football fans, who have been waiting for a centre referee from their country to be selected for the competition in 25 years.
Abdulsalam's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft. He was born in Zamfara State, Nigeria, and has risen through the ranks to become one of the top referees in Africa. His selection for the FIFA U-17 World Cup is an inspiration to young referees in Nigeria and around the world.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup is a premier international youth football tournament that provides a platform for young players to showcase their talents. The tournament also offers a chance for referees like Abdulsalam to gain experience and exposure on the global stage. With his selection, Abdulsalam is set to make history as the first Nigerian centre referee to officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 25 years.
Key points
- Nigerian referee Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam selected for FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
- Abdulsalam is the only Nigerian among the centre referees named for the competition.
- His selection marks a significant return for Nigeria, which has not had a centre referee at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for 25 years.
