Nigerian referee Kasimu Abdulsalam picked for 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar
Nigerian referee Kasimu Abdulsalam has been chosen to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, DAILY POST reports. He is one of 81 match officials selected globally and one of only four centre referees appointed from Africa, with eight African assistant referees also named for the tournament.
Abdulsalam, who previously officiated at the 2023 and 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations editions, will join the competition running from November 19 to December 13, 2026. His selection highlights growing confidence in Nigerian refereeing on the world stage and provides a role model for aspiring officials locally.
The U-17 World Cup will feature youth teams from around the globe competing in Qatari stadiums. Fans can follow Abdulsalam's assignments through FIFA's official broadcast or streaming platforms. Will you tune in to support the Nigerian referee, or does this achievement motivate you to consider refereeing as a career path in your community?