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By Rasaq Oboirien
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the highly anticipated 2025 AFCON quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria.
Algeria, the reigning champions of 2019, have dominated their group stage, winning every match and positioning themselves as formidable contenders for a third continental title. However, they now face a challenging Super Eagles squad in Marrakesh this Saturday.
Nigeria showcased their impressive form with a commanding victory over Mozambique, where Victor Osimhen netted two goals, highlighting the Super Eagles’ formidable attacking prowess. In contrast, Algeria required extra time to secure their place in the quarter-finals, with substitute Adil Boulbina scoring late to clinch their victory over DR Congo.
Referee Omar Artan is no stranger to high-stakes matches, having already officiated during the 2023 AFCON, including the crucial Algeria vs. Mauritania match.
Recognized as Africa’s Best Referee of 2025, Artan has earned a spot on the final list of African match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As one of Africa’s top referees, he is set to participate in final preparations in Qatar, underscoring the trust placed in him for this prestigious role.
