Nigerian referee Joseph Odey Ogabor has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate the first-leg clash between Ghanaian side Medeama SC and Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League.
Ogabor will lead an all-Nigerian officiating team for the highly anticipated continental encounter, underlining the growing recognition of Nigerian match officials on the African football stage.
The experienced referee will be assisted by fellow Nigerians Tejiri Besmart Digbori, who has been appointed as Assistant Referee 1, and Ahmad T. T. Mustapha, who will serve as Assistant Referee 2.
Salisu Basheer completes the Nigerian officiating contingent as the fourth official.
CAF has also appointed Bakary K. Jammeh as the Match Commissioner, while Sinko Zeli will serve as the Referee Assessor.
Officials for Medeama SC vs TP Mazembe
Referee: Joseph Odey Ogabor ๐ณ๐ฌ
Assistant Referee 1: Tejiri Besmart Digbori ๐ณ๐ฌ
Assistant Referee 2: Ahmad T. T. Mustapha ๐ณ๐ฌ
Fourth Official: Salisu Basheer ๐ณ๐ฌ
Match Commissioner: Bakary K. Jammeh
Referee Assessor: Sinko Zeli
The appointment represents another significant opportunity for Nigerian referees to demonstrate their competence at the highest level of African club football.
With Medeama representing Ghana and TP Mazembe carrying the hopes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the first-leg encounter is expected to be a competitive continental fixture, with Ogabor and his team tasked with ensuring the match is conducted fairly and according to CAF’s laws and regulations.
The appointment also highlights the confidence CAF continues to place in Nigerian match officials for major inter-club competitions.
For Ogabor and his assistants, the assignment will provide an important platform to showcase Nigerian officiating talent on the continental stage as both clubs begin their Champions League campaign.
