Nigerian referee Kasimu Abiola Abdulsalam has been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA Men’s Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, marking another significant step in his international refereeing career.

Abdulsalam is the only Nigerian among the 81 match officials appointed for the tournament. The list comprises 27 referees and 54 assistant referees representing 36 FIFA member associations.

The 34-year-old is also one of four centre referees selected from Africa, while eight other African officials were chosen as assistant referees. Abdulsalam has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2022.

He has previously gained experience at the youth international level, serving as a centre referee at the 2023 and 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations. His latest appointment further adds to his experience on the international stage.

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina said the officials were selected based on their performances, ability to work as part of an international team and capacity to meet the demands of a major FIFA tournament.

The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, with 48 teams set to compete across 104 matches.

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, however, will not participate in the tournament after failing to progress beyond the West Africa Football Union qualifying stage.

Abdulsalam’s appointment therefore provides Nigerian representation at the tournament through the officiating team, despite the absence of the country’s U-17 national side.