Two young Nigerian referees get WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup appointments

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Ahead of the maiden edition of the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup in Ghana, two young Nigerian referees have been appointed to officiate at the tournament.

Gbemisola Yusuf and Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi, have been appointed to officiate at the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup.

Yusuf, who is a University of Lagos undergraduate, has had a meteoric rise in officiating, including participating in the Young Referee CAF Course in Cairo, Egypt, last month and officiating at the CAF Secondary Cup in Tanzania in 2023.

Rachael Ozichi, on the other hand, is from the Bayelsa State Referees Council and will serve as an Assistant Referee.

Rachael’s standout performance at the Betsy Obaseki Preseason Tournament in Benin City, Edo State, earned her this prestigious assignment.

Her professionalism and attention to detail have made her a respected figure in Nigeria’s football refereeing circles.

She also officiated at the 2023 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Championship in Calabar, Cross Rivers State capital.

These appointments reflect the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) commitment to identifying and nurturing young officiating talent.

CAF’s deliberate strategy to “catch them young” ensures the growth of the sport’s officiating standards and provides invaluable experience for the next generation of referees.

“This opportunity is a dream come true for us,” Yusuf shared. “CAF’s dedication to empowering young referees is truly inspiring.”

The WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup not only serves as a platform for showcasing young football talent but also highlights the future stars of officiating like Yusuf and Ozichi, who are poised to make Nigeria proud on the international stage.

The competition will take place from December 12 to 22.

Ghana, Benin Republic, Nigeria, Niger Republic, and Cote D’Ivoire are the participating teams.