CAF snubs Nigerian referees for CHAN

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By Johnny Edward.

Nigerian referees have, yet again, been left out of the list of officials put together by the Confederation of African Football, to officiate at next year’s African Nations Championship in Algeria.

Initially scheduled for 2022, the CHAN tournament will take place from January 13 to February 4 2023 in Algeria. Four cities will be used for the tournament; they include Algiers, Constantine, Oran and Annaba.

CAF on Wednesday released the full list of match officials for the competition.

The list includes 19 referees, 21 assistant referees and 12 video assistant referees representing 32 of CAF’s Member Associations.

In keeping with its policy of promoting women’s refereeing, CAF has appointed three women match officials: referee Vincentia Amedone (Togo) and assistant referees Carine Atezambong Fomo (Cameroon) and Diane Chikotesha (Zambia).

CAF Head of Refeering, Désiré Noumandiez Doué said, “For this competition, we have combined experience with youth – we have a number of upcoming and promising referees. CHAN is a global competition and a great platform for our match officials. As we start a new World Cup cycle, this gives us an opportunity to build.

“We have AFCON – both men and women in 2024 – and a number of competitions under this cycle. I’m particularly pleased to see more women joining the bigger group,” said Doue.

The North African derby between hosts Algeria and 2014 tournament winners Libya will set the tone for the opening day. The match will take place at the majestic Stade de Baraki in the Algerian capital Algiers.