By Chidinma Ugwu

Its no longer news that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the list of match officials selected for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

However, the numbers have once again exposed the widening gap between Nigeria and several of the continent’s football powerhouses in the area of officiating.

While Nigeria, a traditional giant in African women’s football, will be represented by just one official, other nations have secured multiple appointments across the three categories of referees, assistant referees and Video Match Officials (VMOs).

Nigeria’s lone representative is Yemissi Eunice Akintoye, who made the list of 17 centre referees.

However, the country failed to produce a single assistant referee or Video Match Official for the continental showpiece.

In contrast, tournament hosts Morocco will parade four officials.

Harmasse Zoulaikha will serve as a referee, while Soukaina Hamdi and Ihsane Nejouali are among the assistant referees. Bouchtaoui Zakaria also earned selection as a Video Match Official.

Cameroon also boasts four representatives, with Aline Guimbang and Ntangti Innocentia Njang named as referees, Carine Atezambong selected as an assistant referee, while the country’s presence is further strengthened in CAF’s officiating structure.

Egypt has three officials on the list, comprising referee Shahenda Saad Elmaghrabi, assistant referee Yara Atef and Video Match Official Hossam Haggag.

African football powerhouse South Africa is represented by two officials, referee Akhona Zennith Makalima and assistant referee Evodia Tau while the Democratic Republic of Congo also has three officials, including referee Nzigire Zihindula Rachel and assistant referees Kanjinga Mireille and Baeis Bienheureuse Tomakwiza.

The disparity highlights a worrying trend for Nigeria, particularly considering the country’s rich football pedigree.

Although Nigerian teams and players continue to enjoy success on the continent, the nation’s representation among elite match officials has not kept pace with rivals who continue to invest in referee development and progression through CAF and FIFA pathways.

CAF’s appointments reflect not only current performance but also years of consistent training, assessments and exposure to high-level competitions.

Countries such as Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa and DR Congo have steadily built a pipeline of officials capable of handling the continent’s biggest matches.

For Nigeria, the latest WAFCON appointments should serve as a very powerful wake-up call.

Beyond producing successful teams, there is an urgent need to strengthen referee education, mentorship and international exposure if the country hopes to reclaim a stronger voice in African football officiating.

The 2026 WAFCON, to be staged in Morocco, will feature the continent’s best female footballers and judging by CAF’s selections, the countries making the greatest strides in officiating development as well.