Refereeing jinx shattered as Nigeria’s Akintoye makes WAFCON list

By Femi Fabunmi

Nigerian female referee, Yemisi Akintoye was among referees  selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco later this year PM News has learnt.

Akintoye, who hails from the Lagos State Referees Council, was among the elite group of African women referees invited for CAF’s preparatory training courses weeks ago.

After  a successful outing during the courses, the 2021 FIFA-badged referee has now secured a place on the officiating team for Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.

Akintoye’s  selection is being celebrated not only as a personal milestone but also as a significant moment for Nigerian refereeing.

PM News recalls that Nigerian referees have been notably absent from CAF and FIFA tournaments recently, raising questions over the nation’s declining visibility in international officiating circles.

Her appointment has therefore rekindled optimism within the Nigerian football community. Many see it as a sign that Nigerian referees, with the right support and development, can regain their footing on the continental and global stage.

Football stakeholders and fans alike have praised Akintoye for her consistency, discipline, and commitment, which have now earned her recognition at the highest level of African women’s football.

The 2025 WAFCON is expected to feature the best teams and talents from across the continent, and Akintoye’s participation will put Nigeria back in the spotlight not just as a football powerhouse, but also as a producer of top-class match officials.

The 2025 WAFCON is slated to hold in Morocco later next month with Super Falcons already booked a spot to participate at the competition.