Young Nigerian Referees Make History at WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup

Gbemisola Yusuf and Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi, two promising Nigerian referees, have been selected to officiate at the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup in Accra, Ghana. Their appointments mark a significant milestone in their careers and highlight the Confederation of African Football’s CAF commitment to nurturing young officiating talent.

Both Yusuf and Ozichi have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage, with Yusuf stating, “CAF’s dedication to empowering young referees is truly inspiring.”

Their involvement underscores CAF’s focus on developing young officiating talent, ensuring the growth of football standards across the continent. The WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup serves as both a platform for showcasing young football talent and an avenue for nurturing the next generation of refereeing professionals.

Editorial

The inclusion of Gbemisola Yusuf and Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi in the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup officiating team represents a significant step forward for African football officiating. It emphasizes the importance of empowering young referees to contribute to the sport’s development and uphold high officiating standards.

Gbemisola Yusuf, an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, has rapidly risen in the officiating world. Her career highlights include attending the Young Referee CAF Course in Cairo, Egypt, and officiating at the CAF Secondary Cup in Tanzania in 2023. Known for her composure and decision making, Yusuf will serve as a referee during the tournament.

Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi, a member of the Bayelsa State Referees Council, earned her place as an Assistant Referee following her exceptional performance at the Betsy Obaseki Preseason Tournament in Edo State. Her professionalism and attention to detail have established her as a respected figure in Nigerian football refereeing.

These appointments reflect CAF’s strategic commitment to fostering professionalism among referees at an early stage. For Yusuf and Ozichi, this opportunity is not just a career milestone but also a chance to inspire aspiring referees across Nigeria and the continent.

Their journey reminds us that developing talent off the pitch is as critical as nurturing players on it, ensuring a brighter future for football.

Did You Know?

1. Gbemisola Yusuf participated in the prestigious Young Referee CAF Course held in Cairo, Egypt.
2. Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi was recognized for her performance at the Betsy Obaseki Preseason Tournament in Edo State.
3. The WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup is a newly inaugurated competition aimed at promoting youth football in West Africa.
4. CAF’s “Catch Them Young” initiative focuses on identifying and nurturing officiating talent across Africa.
5. Both Yusuf and Ozichi’s appointments mark a historic moment for Nigerian women in football officiating on an international stage.