Nigerian Referees Kazzim Abiola & Samuel Pwadutakam Chosen for CAF CHAN

Nigerian referees Kazzim Abiola and Samuel Pwadutakam have been chosen by the Confederation of African Football CAF to attend a critical pre-competition training and evaluation program in preparation for the African Nations Championship CHAN in Kenya, scheduled for February 2025. The program, set to take place from December 4th to 9th, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt, aims to enhance the officials’ knowledge and skills, focusing on the latest rules and officiating technology, including VAR.

The intensive training emphasizes both physical and theoretical assessments, designed to ensure referees are equipped with the physical stamina, focus, and technical expertise required for high stakes matches. CAF’s investment in this rigorous preparation reflects its commitment to upholding high standards in African officiating.

Editorial

The selection of Kazzim Abiola and Samuel Pwadutakam for CAF’s pre competition training underscores the progress Nigerian referees are making on the international stage. This opportunity is not just a testament to their skills but also a reflection of CAF’s confidence in the quality of Nigerian officiating. With CAF prioritizing excellence, the presence of Nigerian referees in such programs signals the rising recognition of African officials in world football.

Kazzim Abiola, a FIFA certified referee from Zamfara, will participate as a lead referee, bringing his extensive experience from past African tournaments. Meanwhile, Samuel Pwadutakam from Adamawa, appointed as an assistant referee, takes on his second major CAF assignment. This workshop is a final selection stage, and successful candidates will officiate in the CHAN games, a unique CAF competition that features players exclusively from their respective domestic leagues.

As we look ahead to the CHAN tournament, having well trained referees is essential to maintain the integrity of the competition, where only the best from African domestic leagues compete. Nigerian football fans can take pride in seeing their referees reach these prestigious assignments, hoping that such recognition will inspire future officials across the continent. In our view, Abiola and Pwadutakam’s participation in this program highlights Nigeria’s valuable contributions to African football and the potential for our referees to represent Africa on even broader international platforms.

Did You Know?

• The African Nations Championship CHAN is unique to CAF, as it is exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues, unlike the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON which includes international players.
• Kazzim Abiola has officiated several high-profile matches in Africa, marking him as one of Nigeria’s prominent referees.
• The use of VAR technology in CAF competitions started with the AFCON 2019, and training programs now include specialized VAR training for referees.
• Samuel Pwadutakam previously officiated at the 2023 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, gaining valuable international experience.
• The CHAN 2025 tournament in Kenya will feature 16 teams and run from February 1 to 28, showcasing Africa’s best domestic league talents.