Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga has been appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria's upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya on October 11. This match follows Nkhakananga's controversial suspension for poor officiating in 2023. Nigeria leads Group D and aims to secure its spot in AFCON 2025.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected Malawian referee Godfrey Philip Nkhakananga to officiate Nigeria's important 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. This match will take place on Friday, October 11, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, kicking off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Nkhakananga will be accompanied by fellow Malawians Clemence Kanduku and Joseph Nyauti as assistant referees, while Botswana’s Keabetswe Dintwa will act as the fourth official. The match commissioner will be Munkaila Nassam Adam from Ghana, with Niger’s Issaka Boubacar serving as the referee assessor. Nigeria's Mayowa Akingbemisilu is designated as the broadcast venue manager.
This appointment is particularly noteworthy due to Nkhakananga’s recent suspension for four months in 2023, a decision made after he demonstrated poor officiating during an Airtel Top 8 Cup match, leading to significant disruptions. Despite this setback, CAF has trusted him to oversee a match involving Nigeria, a team that is currently leading Group D with four points from two matches.
The Super Eagles are eager to enhance their standing, having achieved a 3-0 win over Benin and a goalless draw against Rwanda. With two upcoming matches against Libya, Nigeria is focused on reinforcing its position as it moves closer to securing a spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament.
