Joseph Ogabor From Cross River State has been appointed to officiate the AFCON qualifiers match between Tunisia and Comoros.
BY ETTAH EMMANUEL O.
_C’River’s Joseph Ogabor: A Beacon of Excellence in African Football Refereeing_
Joseph Ogabor, a distinguished referee from Cross River State, Nigeria, has carved out a remarkable reputation in the world of football officiating. With the recent appointment by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate the AFCON 2025 qualifying match between Tunisia and Comoros, Ogabor continues to elevate Nigeria’s presence on the international refereeing stage.
A JOURNEY OF DEDICATION AND ACHIEVEMENT
Cross River State born , Ogabor’s journey into the world of officiating began with a passion for football and a desire to contribute to the sport in a meaningful way. His commitment and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks of local and national refereeing, leading him to earn his FIFA badge—a significant milestone that distinguishes referees as elite officials eligible to officiate international matches.
In addition to his officiating career, Ogabor serves as a lecturer at the University of Calabar, where he imparts his knowledge and experience to aspiring referees and sports enthusiasts. His dual role as an educator and a referee underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of football officials in Nigeria.
- RECENT APPOINTMENT FOR AFCON QUALIFIERS
Ogabor’s recent appointment for the Tunisia vs. Comoros match at the Stade Olympique in Tunis is a testament to his skills and professionalism. This match, part of the crucial third round of AFCON qualifiers, carries significant implications for both teams as they vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament. Ogabor will be joined by Nigerian officials Samuel Pwadutakam and Abdulmajeed Usman Olaide as assistant referees, while Basheer Salisu will take on the role of fourth official. Senegal’s Fatou Gaye will serve as the referee assessor, ensuring that the officiating team maintains the highest standards of integrity and fairness.
•IMPACT ON AFRICAN FOOTBALL
Ogabor’s presence on the pitch not only highlights his individual achievements but also showcases Nigeria’s growing influence in the realm of football officiating across Africa. As more Nigerian referees gain international recognition, the country’s commitment to high standards in officiating becomes increasingly evident. Ogabor’s role in this match is not only significant for the teams involved but also serves as an inspiration for young referees in Nigeria and beyond, illustrating that hard work and dedication can lead to global opportunities.
- CONCLUSION
Joseph Ogabor exemplifies excellence in refereeing, combining his passion for football with a dedication to education and mentorship. His appointment to officiate an important AFCON qualifier is a milestone that reflects both his personal achievements and the broader potential of Nigerian referees on the international stage. As he steps onto the pitch in Tunis, Ogabor carries with him the hopes and pride of his community, demonstrating that talent knows no boundaries and that Cross River State is indeed a contributor to the world of football.
Club X is Formerly known as DON MARO
