In preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Africa’s football governing body has unveiled the officials who will take charge of matches during the tournament.
A total of 73 top-tier referees have been confirmed for duty, made up of 28 central referees, 31 assistants, and 14 VAR specialists. Nigeria had no representative among those selected.
The lineup features experts drawn from every part of the continent, many of whom have handled important CAF fixtures over the years and are regarded as some of Africa’s finest in the profession.
All officials are to report to Morocco by December 15, 2025, ahead of an intensive preparation programme. The CAF Referees Department will supervise the training, which will involve fitness tests, technical sessions, and classroom assessments to ensure they are fully equipped for the tournament.
This structured selection and training process reinforces CAF’s focus on high-quality officiating, fair competition, and the ongoing improvement of refereeing standards across African football.
