Omotayo Fashola
Nigerian official Abiola Kasimu Abdulsalam has made history by being appointed as a center referee for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, breaking a 25-year drought for Nigeria at the prestigious youth competition.
The 34-year-old Zamfara-born arbiter stands as the sole Nigerian representative among just four African referees selected for the global event.
FIFA’s latest announcement revealed a total of 81 match officials from 36 nations, comprising 27 lead referees and 54 assistant referees for the tournament.
Since earning his FIFA badge in 2022, Abdulsalam has built an impressive résumé, including officiating at two CAF U-17 AFCON tournaments and multiple WAFU competitions. His recent assignments include selection for both the 2025 African Nations Championship and an upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifier between Cameroon and Comoros.
Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s Referees Committee, emphasized that chosen officials were selected based on their consistent high-level performances, adaptability in team environments, and composure under the intense scrutiny of international football.
This appointment marks a significant milestone for Nigerian football officiating, showcasing the country’s growing influence in international refereeing circles.
