Faith Irabor, Chairperson of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Development Committee, has been appointed as a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Committee.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Nigerian football officiating, as Irabor becomes the third Nigerian ever to serve on the CAF Referees Committee. She follows in the footsteps of Pa Linus Mba (who served on the Committee for 10 years) and Aminu Shantali Shuaibu, two respected figures who previously represented Nigeria at the continental level.
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Representing WAFU B and Nigeria
Born in Edo State, Irabor is a retired FIFA referee with decades of experience on and off the pitch. She was selected to represent the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, alongside Sinko Zeli from Ivory Coast, on the newly reconstituted CAF Referees Committee.
Irabor replaces Mr. Aminu Shantali Shuaibu, who served in the same capacity in the just dissolved committee. Her inclusion not only maintains Nigeria’s presence in CAF’s refereeing structure but also reinforces the country’s growing leadership role in football administration.
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A Milestone Appointment
This is the first time ever that the Chairperson of the NFF Referees Committee is simultaneously serving on the CAF Referees Committee — a rare dual role that highlights her exceptional influence in developing and supervising football officiating both locally and across Africa.
Her appointment also reflects CAF’s renewed commitment to diversity and merit, with more women now being recognized for top-tier officiating and administrative roles.
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Leadership and Committee Members
The 2025 CAF Referees Committee will be led by Olivier Safari Kabene from DR Congo, who replaces Benin’s Hugues Alain Adjoyi as President. South African referee Victor Miguel De Freitas Gomes retains his position as Vice President.
Other key members include notable referees and administrators from across the continent:
- CECAFA: Ali Tomusangue (Uganda), Lidya Tafessa (Ethiopia)
- COSAFA: Inacio Candido (Angola), Janny Sikazwe (Zambia)
- UFOA/WAFU A: Fatou Gaye (Senegal), Lemghaifry Bouchaab (Mauritania)
- UFOA/WAFU B: Sinko Zeli (Ivory Coast), Faith Uwugiaren Irabor (Nigeria)
- UNAF: Hadqa Yahya (Morocco), Djamel Haimoudi (Algeria)
- UNIFFAC: René Daniel Louzaya (Republic of Congo), Menkouande Evariste (Cameroon)
Irabor’s appointment has been widely celebrated within the Nigerian football community, especially among referees, coaches, and administrators who see it as a symbol of renewed confidence in Nigerian officiating standards.
As CAF continues its drive to professionalize refereeing and enhance match integrity, Irabor’s experience and leadership promise to strengthen Africa’s football refereeing ecosystem.
