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By Yemi Sodeeq
Nigerian FIFA referee Kassim Abdulsalam will once again take center stage to officiate the 2026 Federation President Cup final between El-Kanemi Warriors and Ikorodu City on Saturday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Abdulsalam as the central referee for the country’s biggest domestic cup match, reaffirming confidence in one of Nigeria’s most prominent match referees.
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 act as the fourth official. Honorable. Hassan Wada has been appointed match commissioner, with Ejoor Dimas as referee advisor.
The appointment follows Abdulsalam’s impressive performance at the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he was among the officials selected to officiate matches on the final day of the competition. 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 previously officiated several high-profile matches during the championship, including the crucial encounter between Egypt and Morocco, before he was entrusted with one of the final day’s matches, a testament to the trust placed in him by the CAF 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 match earned him widespread praise and further cemented his reputation as one of the best referees in the country.
His latest appointment is another important milestone in his burgeoning career and reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian referees both nationally and internationally.
With Abdulsalam in charge, football fans will look forward to another top-notch refereeing display as El-Kanemi Warriors look to add another Federation Cup title to their history while Ikorodu City aim to make history with a maiden triumph.
