In a testament to her dedication and expertise, Akintoye Yemisi has been named among the 18 referees selected to officiate at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. This prestigious tournament is set to take place from July 5th to 26th, 2025, and will gather the best of African women’s football on the continental stage.
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For Akintoye Yemisi, a respected arbiter from the Lagos State Football Referees Council, this selection marks a major milestone in her career. Earlier this month, she participated in the rigorous WAFCON preparation course in Cairo, Egypt, where referees were tested and evaluated on their technical knowledge, physical fitness, and decision-making under pressure. Emerging successfully from the program, Akintoye’s name was among the chosen few who will bring their expertise to the tournament.
This selection is particularly significant as it places Akintoye among a distinguished group of African referees, including celebrated figures like Bouchra Karboubi, who made history as a Men’s World Cup referee, and Amedome Vincentia from Togo, renowned for her steady hand in high-stakes matches. Other notable names include Shamirah Nabadda (Uganda), Ghada Mehat (Algeria), Akissi Konan (Botswana), and Twanyanyukwa Antsino (Namibia).
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The 2025 WAFCON will see a total of 18 referees, 18 assistant referees, and 10 video assistant referees selected from across the continent, ensuring a high level of officiating for Africa’s premier women’s football competition.Read Also:
For Akintoye and her peers, this is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to the growing influence and recognition of women in African football officiating. As she takes her place among the continent’s best, her journey stands as an inspiring example for aspiring referees in Nigeria and beyond.
Picture Credit: Justna Aniefiok Facebook Page
