From CAF Glory to Asaba: FIFA Referee Kassim Abdulsalam To Handle Federation Cup Final

From CAF Glory to Asaba: FIFA Referee Kassim Abdulsalam To Handle Federation Cup Final

By Yemi Sodeeq

Nigerian FIFA referee Kassim Abdulsalam will once again take centre stage to officiate the 2026 President Federation Cup final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) named Abdulsalam as the centre referee for the country's biggest domestic cup fixture, reaffirming the confidence in one of Nigeria's most accomplished match officials.

According to the official appointments, Abdulsalam will be assisted by Ahmad Tijjani as Assistant Referee I, Emmanuel Omada as Assistant Referee II, while Areweremi Ebineme will serve as the Fourth Official. Hon. Hassan Wada has been appointed Match Commissioner, with Ejoor Dimas serving as the Referee Assessor.

The appointment comes on the heels of Abdulsalam's impressive outing at the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he was among the officials selected to handle the competition's final day fixtures. His outstanding performances throughout the tournament earned him a CAF medal, making him one of Nigeria's proud representatives on the continental stage despite the Golden Eaglets' absence from the tournament.

The Zamfara State-born FIFA referee had earlier officiated several high-profile matches during the championship, including the crucial encounter between Egypt and Morocco, before being entrusted with one of the final day's games—a testament to the confidence reposed in him by CAF's refereeing committee.

Saturday's assignment will also mark a return to familiar territory for Abdulsalam, who officiated the 2024 President Federation Cup final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors. His composed and authoritative performance in that encounter earned widespread commendation and further cemented his reputation as one of the country's finest referees.

His latest appointment is another significant milestone in his flourishing career and reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian referees on both the domestic and international stages.

With Abdulsalam in charge, football fans will expect another top-class officiating display as El-Kanemi Warriors seek to add another Federation Cup title to their history, while Ikorodu City aim to make history with a maiden triumph.

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