In preparation for the 2026 FIFA International Referees List, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Referees Development Committee, has officially invited selected referees for the annual listing and screening exercise.

 

According to a statement signed by Nasiru Ibrahim, for the Head of the Referees Development Unit, all existing FIFA-badged referees and assistant referees — male and female — as well as international Beach Soccer and Futsal referees are expected to participate.

 

Notably, five male referees and five male assistant referees currently officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) have also been called up for the crucial exercise, which is scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

 

Additionally, five female referees and five female assistant referees have been invited, signaling the NFF’s commitment to gender inclusion and development of women in officiating at the international level.

 

 Key Details:

• Arrival: 30th September, 2025

• Medical Tests: 30th September, 2025

• Fitness Test: 1st October, 2025

• Venue: MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja

 

 Invited Referees:

 

All Categories:

• All current FIFA Referees, Assistant Referees, Futsal Referees, and Beach Soccer Referees.

 MEN – Referees:

1. Muhammad B. Tuta (Adamawa)

2. Madaki Abdulmalik (FCT)

3. Muhammad Zakari (Niger)

4. Chilaka Igwe (Rivers)

5. Ebineme Arewaremi (Delta)

 

 MEN – Assistant Referees:

1. Darlington Nwauzoebilon (Abia)

2. Al-Amin Kabiru Yusuf (Bauchi)

3. Ridwan Lawal (Oyo)

4. Ismaila Rasheed (Kwara)

5. Yusuf Abdullahi (Kano)

 WOMEN – Referees:

1. Oluwatosin Omotoye (Osun)

2. Rasheedat Abdulganiyu (FCT)

3. Semiat Mustapha (Oyo)

4. Dominion Kalu (Enugu)

5. Peace Ogbonnaya (Anambra)

 

 WOMEN – Assistant Referees:

1. Scholastica Ikeobi (Anambra)

2. Patience Azi (Plateau)

3. Olive Njoku (Imo)

4. Adeola Oluwole (Lagos)

5. Vivian Osemene (FCT)

This exercise is a crucial part of the process that ensures Nigeria’s referees meet FIFA’s strict standards ahead of international competitions. Selected officials who pass the medical and fitness tests will be recommended for inclusion on the 2026 FIFA International Referees List, empowering them to officiate matches at the highest level globally.