Morocco 2025: CAF names Malawian official, Nkhakananga as Referee for Nigeria, Libya clash

Ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between Nigeria and Libya, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga to officiate the crucial encounter.

Nkhakananga, who has a history of officiating international matches, including U-23 AFCON qualifiers, has been recognized for his strong performances and fairness on the field, earning him praise from CAF assessors.

His experience in international officiating is complemented by his compatriots Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti, who will serve as assistant referees. Botswanan referee Keabetswe Dintwa is named as the fourth official.

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Also involved in the match’s organization are Munkaila Nassam Adam from Ghana, who will act as the match commissioner, while Issaka Boubacar of Niger has been appointed as the referee assessor. Nigeria’s Mayowa Akingbemisilu will serve as the broadcast venue manager for the game.

Referee Team
Clemence Kanduku (Assistant Referee 1) – Hailing from Malawi, Clemence Kanduku has been involved in officiating CAF matches at various levels, including youth and senior competitions.

Known for his consistency and attention to detail, Kanduku has developed a reputation for upholding the rules of the game in high-pressure situations.

Joseph Nyauti (Assistant Referee 2) – Also from Malawi, Nyauti has partnered with Kanduku on multiple occasions in CAF matches.

His sharp offside calls and awareness on the field have earned him respect in officiating circles across the continent.

Together, Kanduku and Nyauti form a reliable team that has worked cohesively to ensure fairness in the game.

Keabetswe Dintwa (Fourth Official) – Keabetswe Dintwa is a highly regarded official from Botswana with experience in African and international competitions.

Dintwa has built a solid reputation for his calm demeanor on the pitch and for successfully managing tense match moments, particularly in his role as a fourth official.

Administrative Officials
Munkaila Nassam Adam (Match Commissioner) – A seasoned football administrator from Ghana, Munkaila Adam has served as a match commissioner in many CAF tournaments.

His role involves ensuring that match logistics, including security, stadium facilities, and official documentation, meet CAF’s stringent standards.

Issaka Boubacar (Referee Assessor) – Issaka Boubacar from Niger brings years of expertise in referee evaluation.

As a referee assessor, his job is to oversee the performance of the officiating team, providing constructive feedback and ensuring that referees are upholding the highest standards of the game.

This experienced team, led by referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga, will ensure that the AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, is conducted with professionalism and fairness.