Nigeria referees are good, but we pick only the best for AFCON—CAF

Noumandiez Desire Doue

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has explained why Nigerian referees are not selected to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and other football tournaments on the continent.

CAF official, Noumandiez Desire Doue made this disclosure during an interaction with journalists at the CAF AFCON Referees’ Open Day that took place at the Asec Mimosa club’s training pitch.

No Nigerian referee was selected among the officials for the biennial competition, a decision that has been debated among football stakeholders within the country.

Doue, who also doubles as CAF’s Head of Refereeing and Football Technology, explained that Nigerian referees are good but they need to do more.

According to him, CAF goes for the best on the continent and not just average referees.

“You have good referees in Nigeria and to come to AFCON you have to be the best. Good referees are for the Zones, you have to be the best to come to the CAF Competitions.

“Nigeria referees are improving but they need to do more to be among the best because the selection started in the last one and a half years.”, he said.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.

Follow Us