Two Nigerian match officials, Salisu Basheer and Abdul Majeed Usman, have been selected to officiate at the upcoming WAFU Zone B U-20 Championships, set to take place in Ghana from July 10 to 23.
Their appointment by the West African Football Union (WAFU-B) highlights Nigeria’s growing footprint in continental football officiating. The duo will join 12 other referees and assistant referees from across the region, making up a 14-member officiating crew entrusted with ensuring fair play and professionalism at the regional youth championship.
The breakdown includes seven referees and seven assistant referees, with each of the seven participating nations contributing two officials—a deliberate move by WAFU to foster inclusivity, regional balance, and officiating excellence.
🔍 Full List of Appointed Officials:
Benin Republic: Ahomlanto Dedjinnanchi Tanislas, Kouton Gbemassiandan Burkina Faso: Nikiema Jacqueline, Traore Daouda Ivory Coast: Soro Tuonifere, Bamba Kalilou Ghana: Bless Yao Selorm, Patricia Kyeraa Niger: Ali Moussa Mohamed, Ali Hamidou Togo: Senyo Kossi, Agbedanou Abra Sitsofe Nigeria: Salisu Basheer, Abdul Majeed Usman
⚽ More Than Just a Tournament
This year’s tournament will serve a dual purpose: it will not only crown the best U-20 team in West Africa but will also act as a crucial preparatory ground for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to hold in Chile from September 27 to October 19.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, coached by Aliyu Zubairu, are considered favourites and will be using the competition to evaluate players, test tactical strategies, and build team chemistry ahead of the global stage.
“This is not just a regional contest—it’s a gateway for players to the World Cup and an opportunity for referees to make a name on the international stage,” a WAFU-B official noted.
The Flying Eagles, two-time U-20 World Cup runners-up, will be aiming to go one step further in Chile and secure their maiden world title.
🏆 Group Stage Draw – WAFU-B U-20 Championship
Group A: Ghana (hosts), Nigeria, Benin Republic Group B: Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger
The group stage promises fierce competition, with regional rivalries set to reignite on Ghanaian soil. Group A, featuring hosts Ghana and perennial heavyweights Nigeria, is already being labelled the “Group of Death.”
📌 Why This Matters
For Basheer and Usman, this tournament represents more than a regional assignment—it’s an important career milestone. Strong performances could open the door for selection in bigger tournaments, including the CAF U-20 Nations Cup, AFCON, or even FIFA youth tournaments.
As the WAFU-B U-20 tournament kicks off in Ghana, all eyes will be on the next generation of West African football talent—both on the pitch and in the referee’s uniform. For Nigeria, the event is another opportunity to assert dominance in youth football and showcase the country’s strength not just in playing talent, but in officiating integrity and excellence.