Nigeria’s FIFA referee from Lagos State, Yemisi Eunice Akintoye, has successfully passed her fitness test, the preparations for the African Women Championship WAFCON. Badged as a FIFA referee in 2021, Akintoye has participated in several international competitions, including the WAFU Women’s Champions League and the Aisha Buhari Tournament.

Selected for her exceptional skills, the University of Lagos graduate has been included in an elite group by the Confederation of African Football CAF for specialized training. The training, scheduled for June 9-13 in Morocco, aims to uphold high officiating standards for the upcoming 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations.

Although the tournament dates are yet to be finalized, Akintoye's selection as Nigeria’s sole representative underscores her status as one of Africa’s leading referees. The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, officially known as the 2024 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, will be the 15th edition of the biennial tournament organized by CAF. Morocco will host the tournament for the second consecutive time, having previously hosted it two years ago.

Qualified nations for this year’s African Women's Championship include Morocco hosts, Algeria, Botswana, DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia.

Editorial

We are immensely proud of Yemisi Akintoye’s achievements and her continued rise in the world of football officiating. Her inclusion in the specialized training camp for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills.

Akintoye's journey from the Lagos State Council to becoming a FIFA referee highlights the importance of nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. Her participation in international competitions like the WAFU Women’s Champions League and the Aisha Buhari Tournament has undoubtedly honed her abilities, preparing her for greater challenges ahead.

The upcoming specialized training in Morocco is a crucial step in ensuring high standards of officiating at WAFCON 2024. It is heartening to see CAF's commitment to developing referees and maintaining the integrity of the game. Akintoye’s selection as Nigeria’s sole representative reflects her excellence and sets a positive example for aspiring referees across the continent.

As we look forward to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, we are confident that Yemisi Akintoye will continue to excel and make Nigeria proud. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and hard work, one can achieve great heights.

The role of a referee is often challenging, requiring not only a deep understanding of the game but also the ability to manage players and make crucial decisions under pressure. Akintoye’s progress and recognition are well deserved, and we wish her the best in her upcoming training and the tournament.

Did You Know?

1. 
   
2. Yemisi Akintoye was badged as a FIFA referee in 2021, marking her entry into international officiating.
   
3. WAFCON Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is the premier women’s football tournament in Africa, organized by CAF.
   
4. Morocco will host the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the second consecutive time.
   
5. CAF Confederation of African Football is responsible for organizing the African Women's Championship and other continental football competitions.
   
6. University of Lagos graduate Yemisi Akintoye has participated in multiple international tournaments, enhancing her officiating experience.