The Nigeria Football Referees Committee has successfully conducted the mandatory FIFA fitness test for international referees and aspiring candidates as the race for spots on the 2026 FIFA International Referees List intensifies.
The exercise, held earlier this morning, brought together referees from association football, beach soccer and futsal, with each official undergoing a thorough medical examination on the previous day before facing the intensive physical drills.
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This process is part of FIFA’s annual assessment to ensure referees meet global standards before they can be nominated to the international panel. According to FIFA’s circular sent to all member associations, the final deadline for nominations is Sunday, October 5, 2025.
FIFA Nomination Guidelines
In its communication, FIFA emphasized strict criteria for nomination:
- Referees must have been born on or before December 31, 2000, while assistant referees must have been born on or before December 31, 2002.
- Candidates over the age of 45 (born in 1981 or earlier) may face additional medical and technical assessments.
- Only referees who have officiated regularly at the highest level within their member association for at least two years will be considered.
- Nominees must be ranked based on officiating performance and not alphabetically.
- All referees must pass a FIFA-approved fitness test and medical examination conducted after June 1, 2025.
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FIFA also reiterated its gender-neutral stance, noting that qualified men and women referees are eligible across all categories. Special fitness standards have been introduced for women officiating in futsal and beach soccer.
Nigerian Referees in Focus
Among the Nigerian officials who took part in the fitness test were Dr. Peter Ogabor, Hannah Eleagwu, Yemisi Akintoye, Abdulmajeed Olaide Usman, General Fawole, Olayinka Olajide, Pastor John Ojeleye etc.
Football stakeholders believe this is also an opportunity for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to expand its nominations, especially by including women referees in beach soccer and futsal. Doing so would not only boost Nigeria’s representation on the international stage but also support the broader development of the games locally.
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The final FIFA International Referees List for 2026 will be unveiled on or before January 1, 2026.
For Nigerian referees, the recent fitness test is more than a technical requirement; it represents a gateway to officiating at the highest level of world football. With the deadline approaching, the coming days will be crucial as Nigeria finalizes its nominations and awaits FIFA’s verdict.
