In a major recognition of Nigerian officiating talent, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Yemisi Akintoye among the referees selected to officiate at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 5 to July 26.

Akintoye, who is 30 years old and a member of the Lagos State Football Referees Council, joins a team of 46 top officials selected from across the continent for Africa’s most prestigious women’s football event. She is the only Nigerian referee included on the list.

CAF Recognizes Rising Nigerian Officiating Talent

Akintoye secured her place at the tournament after excelling in a CAF-organized preparatory course for referees held earlier this month in Cairo, Egypt. Her performance during the intensive training and evaluation earned her one of the 46 coveted spots.

Out of those selected, 18 referees will serve as center match officials, another 18 will act as assistant referees, and 10 will operate as Video Match Officials (VMOs) throughout the competition.

Akintoye, who received her FIFA referee badge in 2021, has steadily built an impressive officiating résumé. She has previously handled matches in the WAFU B Women’s Champions League, the WAFU B U-20 Women’s Championship, and the CAF Women’s Champions League—experiences that have sharpened her skills and prepared her for the demands of WAFCON 2024.

Africa’s Elite Women’s Tournament Returns to Morocco

WAFCON 2024 marks another chapter in the evolution of women’s football in Africa. The tournament will once again be hosted in Morocco, continuing from the successful 2022 edition that drew global attention to African women’s football talent and organization.

This year’s edition promises intense competition as the continent’s best teams vie for continental glory and qualification for global tournaments.

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana will return as defending champions after clinching the title in 2022. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the record nine-time champions, are determined to reclaim their crown.

Super Falcons Drawn in Group B

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been placed in Group B and will face Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria in the group stage. With a rich legacy in women’s football and a strong squad, Nigeria enters the tournament as one of the clear favorites, though the growing competitiveness of African women’s football suggests the journey to the final won’t be easy.

Akintoye’s appointment adds another layer of Nigerian representation to the tournament, highlighting not only the country’s dominance on the pitch but also its rising influence in the officiating department.

A Boost for Nigerian Football Officiating

The inclusion of Yemisi Akintoye on CAF’s elite officiating team stands as a testament to her skill, dedication, and consistency in officiating at high levels. More importantly, it signals recognition of Nigeria’s growing presence in the officiating arena at the continental level.

Her selection also serves as motivation for other aspiring referees in Nigeria, especially women who hope to break into international football through the refereeing pathway.

By earning her place in the 2024 WAFCON officiating team, Akintoye not only represents Nigeria but also stands as a symbol of growing professionalism and opportunity in African football officiating.

As the countdown to the tournament begins, all eyes will be on the players and referees alike to deliver a competition that elevates African women’s football on the global stage.