Morocco 2025: Youngest referee at AFCON to handle Nigeria vs Mozambique clash

CAF has selected an all-Cameroonian team of match officials to oversee the 1XBET AFCON 2025 Round of 16 encounter between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Mozambique’s Mambas.

The highly anticipated knockout match will take place on January 5 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.

The centre referee for the game is Abdou Abdel Mefire, a 29-year-old official who is the youngest referee at the ongoing tournament.

Despite his age, Mefire has already shown maturity and confidence on the big stage, having recently handled the intense group-stage clash between hosts Morocco and Mali.

His performance in that match, which included key decisions reviewed through VAR, earned praise for calmness and accuracy.

Supporting him are two experienced assistant referees. Elvis Guy Noupue will serve as the first assistant referee. Noupue brings a wealth of experience, including officiating at the FIFA World Cup, and is regarded as one of Cameroon’s most reliable officials.

The second assistant referee is Carine Atezambong Fomo, a respected female official with extensive experience at top-level CAF competitions, including major continental finals.

With a blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise, the Cameroonian officiating team is expected to ensure fairness, discipline, and professionalism in what promises to be a tense and decisive knockout match between Nigeria and Mozambique.