Two talented young Nigerian referees, Gbemisola Yusuf and Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi, have been appointed to officiate at the inaugural WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup in Accra, Ghana.
This landmark opportunity highlights their dedication and rising profiles in African football officiating.
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Gbemisola Yusuf, a University of Lagos undergraduate, has been selected as a Referee for the tournament.
Her meteoric rise in officiating includes participating in the Young Referee CAF Course in Cairo, Egypt, last month and officiating at the CAF Secondary Cup in Tanzania in 2023.
Known for her excellent decision-making and composure, Gbemi is seen as a future star in football officiating.
Onyekwere Rachael Ozichi, from the Bayelsa State Referees Council, will serve as an Assistant Referee.
Rachael’s standout performance at the Betsy Obaseki Preseason Tournament in Benin City, Edo State, earned her this prestigious assignment. Her professionalism and attention to detail have made her a respected figure in Nigeria’s football refereeing circles.
These appointments reflect the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) commitment to identifying and nurturing young officiating talent.
CAF’s deliberate strategy to “catch them young” ensures the growth of the sport’s officiating standards and provides invaluable experience for the next generation of referees.
“This opportunity is a dream come true for us,” Yusuf shared. “CAF’s dedication to empowering young referees is truly inspiring.”
The WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup not only serves as a platform for showcasing young football talent but also highlights the future stars of officiating like Yusuf and Ozichi, who are poised to make Nigeria proud on the international stage.
