The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a Mauritanian referee to take charge of Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The decision comes as preparations intensify ahead of the highly anticipated Group stage encounter involving the Super Eagles.

CAF’s choice of an experienced official from Mauritania is seen as part of efforts to ensure fairness and professionalism in officiating throughout the tournament. Referees from different parts of the continent have been selected to promote neutrality and uphold the integrity of AFCON 2025 matches.

The Super Eagles will be aiming for a strong start against Tanzania, knowing that early points are crucial in a competitive group. Nigerian fans will be watching closely, not only for the team’s performance but also for how the match is handled by the officiating crew.

With the referee appointment confirmed, attention now shifts fully to the pitch as both teams finalize preparations. CAF has assured fans that all match officials appointed for AFCON 2025 meet international standards and are capable of handling high-pressure games.