FIFA Picks Nigerian Referee, Abdulsalam For U-17 World Cup Assignment

Nigerian referee Kasimu Abdulsalam has been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Abdulsalam is among 81 match officials chosen by FIFA for the tournament, which will bring together young teams from around the world.

The Nigerian referee is also one of four centre referees selected from Africa for the annual competition.

FIFA has additionally selected eight assistant referees from the African continent to officiate at the tournament.

Abdulsalam already has experience at youth international level, having officiated at the 2023 and 2026 editions of the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

His selection represents another opportunity for the Nigerian official to officiate on the global stage and gain further international experience.

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The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be hosted by Qatar from November 19 to December 13, with Abdulsalam set to be part of the officiating team for the competition.