The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has officially approved 30 Nigerian referees and assistant referees for international duties in 2026, marking another significant milestone for Nigerian football officiating.
The list, released by FIFA, features a mix of experienced and emerging officials across various categories, including central referees, assistant referees, futsal referees, and beach soccer officials. Among the notable names is Oluwatosin Tomilayo Omotoye, who has made history as the first female central referee from Osun State to earn a FIFA badge.
The approved list includes 11 male and female central referees, 11 assistant referees, 4 futsal referees, 4 beach soccer referees.
These referees are now eligible to officiate international matches, including FIFA and CAF competitions such as World Cup qualifiers, Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and continental club championships.
For Oluwatosin Omotoye, who has featured in high-profile domestic fixtures in both the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), the recognition marks a historic personal achievement and a breakthrough moment for Osun State in international officiating.
FIFA is expected to deploy the listed officials across global assignments throughout 2026.
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