Nigeria’s refereeing community has received another major boost on the global stage following the release of the official FIFA Referees List for 2026, with Omotoye Tomilayo Oluwatosin and Lawal Ridwan Temitope emerging as the newest Nigerian officials to earn FIFA accreditation.
FIFA confirmed a total of 30 Nigerian referees across different categories for the 2026 international season, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as a consistent producer of elite match officials across Africa and the world.
New Additions to Nigeria’s FIFA Referees List
Omotoye Tomilayo Oluwatosin, a product of the Osun State Football Referees Council, has been badged as a FIFA Referee in the women’s category. Her inclusion represents another milestone for female officiating in Nigeria, reflecting years of dedication, performance consistency, and progressive development within the domestic football league.
Also joining the elite panel is Lawal Ridwan Temitope from the Oyo State Football Referees Council, who has been accredited as a FIFA Assistant Referee in the men’s category. His elevation to the international stage highlights the increasing depth of Nigeria’s assistant refereeing pool, particularly in men’s competitions under CAF and FIFA.
Both officials officially begin their international journey in 2026, joining a long list of Nigerian referees trusted to officiate matches beyond the country’s borders.
Experienced Officials Retain Their FIFA Badges
Beyond the new additions, several seasoned Nigerian referees successfully retained their FIFA badges, underlining their sustained excellence and reliability at the highest level.
Among those who maintained their status are Dr Joseph Odey Ogabor, , Pwadutakam, Samuel, Usman Abdulmajeed, Elaigwe Hannah, Yemisi Akintoye, Olawale Adeolu Fawole, Olayinka Olajide, Ndubuisu Ukah, and Musa Dung Davou, all of whom have served Nigeria and Africa with distinction across refereeing, assistant refereeing, futsal, and beach soccer categories.
Their continued presence on the FIFA list speaks to Nigeria’s strong refereeing structure, consistent assessments, and growing influence within CAF competitions.
Full List of Nigeria FIFA Referees for 2026
PWADUTAKAM Samuel – Assistant Referee, International since 2014, Male
UKAH Ndubuisi – Futsal Referee, International since 2014, Male
MUSA Dung Davou – Futsal Referee, International since 2015, Male
BASHEER Salisu – Referee, International since 2016, Male
DIGBORI Tejiri – Assistant Referee, International since 2016, Male
FAWOLE Olawale Adeolu – Beach Soccer Referee, International since 2016, Male
ELAIGWE Hannah Enekole – Referee, International since 2017, Female
OGABOR Joseph Odey – Referee, International since 2017, Male
USMAN Abdulmajeed Olaide – Assistant Referee, International since 2017, Male
ABDULLAHI Abubakar – Referee, International since 2018, Male
OLAJIDE Olayinka – Beach Soccer Referee, International since 2018, Male
NURUDEEN Abubakar – Referee, International since 2019, Male
ABIBATU Iyadunni Stockl – Assistant Referee, International since 2019, Female
RABIU Ahmad – Beach Soccer Referee, International since 2019, Male
MUSTAPHA Grema Mohammed – Referee, International since 2020, Male
OLUFUNMILAYO Abigael Alaba – Referee, International since 2020, Female
MFON Friday Akpan – Assistant Referee, International since 2020, Female
BELLO Zuru Alhassan – Futsal Referee, International since 2020, Male
AKINTOYE Yemisi – Referee, International since 2021, Female
TERAH Kabeda Beauty – Assistant Referee, International since 2021, Female
ABDULSALAM Kasimu Abiola – Referee, International since 2022, Male
AHMAD Mustapha Tijjani – Assistant Referee, International since 2023, Male
MUHAMMAD Muhamud Yakubu – Assistant Referee, International since 2023, Male
EGBA Patrick John – Referee, International since 2024, Male
AGBONS Faith – Assistant Referee, International since 2024, Female
OMADA Emmanuel – Assistant Referee, International since 2025, Male
OJELEYE John Tope – Futsal Referee, International since 2025, Male
ADEJOH Noah – Beach Soccer Referee, International since 2025, Male
OMOTOYE Tomilayo Oluwatosin – Referee, International since 2026, Female
LAWAL Ridwan Temitope – Assistant Referee, International since 2026,
The Implication for Nigerian Football
The inclusion of 30 Nigerian officials on the FIFA list once again positions Nigeria as a refereeing powerhouse in Africa, supplying trusted officials for CAF competitions, FIFA tournaments, and global assignments.
The rise of new officials alongside experienced hands also signals healthy succession planning within the Nigeria Football Federation referees department, while the growing female representation reflects broader global efforts toward inclusivity in football officiating.
As the 2026 international season approaches, all eyes will be on these officials as they fly Nigeria’s flag across major competitions worldwide.
