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

Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam, who hails from Zamfara State, has become the first Nigerian centre referee in 25 years to participate in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Abdulsalam, who is 34-years-old, is the lone Nigerian centre referee in FIFA’s list while he is among the four African referees selected for this year’s tournament.

FIFA announced 81 match officials for the tournament, comprising 27 centre referees and 54 assistant referees from 36 member associations.

The selection marks a significant return for Nigeria, which has not had a centre referee at the FIFA U-17 World Cup for a quarter of a century.

Abdulsalam’s selection marks the first time in 25 years that a Nigerian centre referee will officiate at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The official has built considerable international experience, having participated in two CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments as well as several WAFU competitions.

His recent performances have also earned him another major assignment, as he is scheduled to referee the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture between Cameroon and Comoros.

Abdulsalam became a FIFA-listed referee in 2022 and has retained his international badge through the annual assessment process.

He was also the only Nigerian referee selected for the 2025 African Nations Championship.

FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina said the officials selected for the U-17 World Cup were among the organisation’s most promising match officials.

Collina said the appointments were based not only on the officials’ performances but also on their ability to operate effectively within international teams and cope with the demands of a major tournament.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup will give Abdulsalam another opportunity to gain experience on the global stage and further his development as an international referee.