AFCON 2025 Qualifier: Malawian Referees to officiate Nigeria vs Libya clash
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya will be officiated by referees from Malawi. The match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, October 11, 2024.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga from Malawi as the referee for this important match. He will be assisted by fellow Malawians Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti as assistant referees, while Botswana’s Keabetswe Dintwa will serve as the fourth official. The game is set to kick off at 5 p.m.
In addition to the refereeing team, Niger’s Issaka Boubacar will be the referee assessor, and Ghana’s Munkaila Nassam Adam has been named the match commissioner. Mayowa Akingbemisilu from Nigeria will act as the broadcast venue manager.
The Super Eagles, who started their AFCON qualifiers with a 3-0 win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda, are hoping to maintain their strong form in the double-header against Libya. The second leg of the tie will be played on October 15 in Benina, Libya.
Training for the Super Eagles is set to begin in Uyo on Monday, with players expected to arrive over the weekend. Nigerian forwards Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman will lead the squad, while Victor Osimhen has been left out for this round of matches.
The officiating team will be under extra scrutiny, as Nigerian fans are still frustrated over a disallowed goal by Ademola Lookman during the match against Rwanda during the International break in September.
