News
30 Nigerian referees set to receive FIFA Badges

By Dayo Awoniyi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to present FIFA badges to 30 Nigerian referees, officially granting them the authority to officiate international matches in 2025.
The ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, will be presided over by NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, along with other top officials of the federation.
The 30 referees comprise 11 center referees, 11 assistant referees, four futsal referees, and four beach soccer referees, with a diverse group of 22 males and eight females.
Notably, three of the referees—Emmanuel Omada, John Tope Ojeleye, and Noah Adejoh—are new additions to the FIFA category, while seasoned officials Samuel Pwadutakam and Ndubuisi Ukah have held FIFA badges since 2014.
The NFF’s move to recognize these referees highlights Nigeria’s commitment to fostering and promoting high-quality officiating talent within African football.
List of Referees to be Badged:
Center Referees: Abubakar Abdullahi, Kasimu Abiola Abdulsalam, Yemisi Akintoye, Salisu Basheer, Patrick John Egba, Hannah Elaigwu, Ndidi Madu, Grema Mohammed Mustapha, Abubakar Nurudeen, Joseph Odey Ogabor, Abigael Alaba Olufunmilayo
Assistant Referees: Iyadunni Abibatu Stockl, Faith Agbons, Tijjani Ahmad Mustapha, Tejiri Digbori, Hope Ogenekewe Igho, Akpan Mfon Friday, Muhamud Yakubu Muhammad, Emmanuel Omada, Samuel Pwadutakam, Beauty Kabeda Terah, Abdulmajeed Olaide Usman
Futsal Referees: Alhassan Bello Zuru, Dung Davou Musa, John Tope Ojeleye, Ndubuisi Ukah
Beach Soccer Referees: Noah Adejoh, Olawale Adeolu Fawole, Olayinka Olajide, Ahmad Rabiu