Nigerian referees have been overlooked by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the selection of match officials for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

CAF released the comprehensive list on Wednesday, naming 29 center referees and 29 assistant referees for the biennial tournament, with no Nigerian official making the cut.

In contrast, North African nations Morocco and Algeria each secured two center referee positions on the prestigious list, highlighting their growing influence in African football officiating.

The CHAN tournament, which features players exclusively from domestic leagues across Africa, will be jointly hosted by three East African nations - Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda - in a regional collaboration.

The competition is scheduled to run from August 2 to August 30, 2025, bringing together the continent's best local talent in a showcase of African football.

This omission comes as a disappointment for Nigerian football, particularly as the country has previously contributed officials to major CAF competitions. The development raises questions about the current standing of Nigerian referees in continental football.

The African Nations Championship differs from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in that it exclusively features players who compete in their home nation's domestic leagues, making it a vital platform for showcasing local talent and developing football within the continent.