AFCON 2025: CAF Appoints Somali Referee for Super Eagles vs Algeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan to officiate the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday. Artan is widely respected across the continent and is among the African referees selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan has officiated multiple high-profile matches, including Algeria’s group-stage fixture against Mauritania at the AFCON 2023, and has experience across African football’s biggest competitions. His appointment underscores CAF’s confidence in his ability to manage such a crucial knockout tie. Kick-off for the Nigeria vs Algeria quarter-final is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Editorial

In the theatre of continental football, where passions are intense and the stakes unforgiving, the selection of a referee for a quarter-final clash is far more than procedural. It is a statement of trust an affirmation that the officials entrusted with guiding the flow of the game possess both technical mastery and psychological steadiness. In appointing Omar Abdulkadir Artan to oversee the Super Eagles versus Algeria fixture, CAF has underscored not only his commanding credentials but the weight of responsibility that comes with this title-race crucible.

Artan’s appointment arrives at a moment when the narratives of two footballing nations converge in Morocco. Nigeria, resurgent from a convincing victory over Mozambique, and Algeria, battle-hardened and strategic, both seek passage to the semi-finals. In that competitive furnace, a referee’s influence though ideally invisible becomes integral to the match’s rhythm, fairness and integrity. Artan’s experience, including previous AFCON assignments and recognition by FIFA as one of its World Cup officials, makes him a measured choice for such a charged encounter.

Yet to speak solely of credentials is to overlook the theatre of emotion that accompanies a high-profile knockout tie. Pressure, expectation and the nuanced flow of decision-making are as much part of the contest as possession statistics or shots on target. The referee is the unseen architect of fairness his whistle punctuates movement, opportunity and contest. In this instance, Artan’s presence is a reminder that the beautiful game, in its highest moments, demands balance between authority and empathy, between law and fluency.

Football in Africa is a tapestry woven from history and hope  clubs, nations, fans and officials alike. As the Super Eagles prepare to meet the Desert Foxes on Saturday, it is Artan’s stewardship that will help ensure the narrative that unfolds on the pitch is adjudicated with clarity and respect for the beautiful game’s deepest traditions.

Did You Know?

1. World Cup Selection Artan is one of the African referees selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a rare honour that highlights his reputation at the highest level of global football officiating.
2. Historic CAF Final He became the first Somali referee to officiate a continental final the CAF Champions League final where Pyramids FC beat Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo.
3. FIFA U-20 Representation Artan was the sole referee from Sub-Saharan Africa chosen to officiate at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, underscoring his international standing.
4. AFCON Experience He previously officiated Algeria’s group-stage match in the 2023 AFCON, giving him direct experience with one of the quarter-final teams.
5. Somali Football Milestone Artan’s rise represents a significant milestone for Somali football, where he stands as one of the country’s most internationally recognised referees.