FIFA Names Abdulsalam as Nigeria’s Sole Referee for 2026 U-17 World Cup

Nigerian referee Kasimu Abiola Abdulsalam has been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, making him the only Nigerian among the 81 match officials appointed for the tournament.

The prestigious youth competition is scheduled to take place from November 19 to December 13, with the world’s best young players set to compete for the global title.

Abdulsalam, 34, has been a FIFA-licensed referee since 2022 and is one of four centre referees selected from Africa for the tournament.

Eight assistant referees from the continent have also been included among the officials appointed by FIFA.

His selection represents a significant milestone in his refereeing career and highlights the progress he has made since becoming an international referee.

The Nigerian official has already gained experience at major youth competitions on the continent. He has officiated at two editions of the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, including the 2023 and 2026 tournaments, experiences that have contributed to his selection for the global stage.

Abdulsalam’s appointment also continues Nigeria’s involvement in FIFA youth competitions through its match officials.

Four years ago, Nigerian referee Mimisen Iyorhe Calvin Onwuka represented the country as an assistant referee at the 2022 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

FIFA chief refereeing officer and chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, said the officials selected for the 2026 tournament were among the most promising referees from their respective confederations.

“For this year’s edition, we have again brought together some of the most promising officials from every confederation,” Collina said.

“They have been selected not only for their performances, but also for their ability to work as part of an international team and meet the demands of a major FIFA tournament.”

The selection process considers not only referees’ performances in their domestic and continental competitions but also their ability to operate effectively within an international officiating team.

For Abdulsalam, the tournament will provide an opportunity to work alongside officials from different parts of the world while gaining valuable experience at one of FIFA’s major competitions.

His appointment comes despite Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets missing out on the tournament itself.

The Nigerian U-17 team failed to progress beyond the West Africa Football Union stage of the qualifiers and will therefore not feature among the teams competing in Qatar.

Abdulsalam will consequently be Nigeria’s sole representative among the match officials at the competition.

His presence is expected to give Nigerian refereeing a platform on the international stage, while the tournament will also offer him an opportunity to further establish himself among FIFA’s international officials.

The 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup will bring together talented young footballers from across the world, with Abdulsalam set to play a key role in ensuring that matches are conducted according to FIFA’s laws and standards.

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