Despite the absence of the Super Falcons from the semi final stage of the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Nigeria will still have representation when Algeria face Malawi in a crucial last four encounter today.

The development was announced on Wednesday by the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA), Chukwudi Ejimofor, who confirmed that Nigerian referee Yemisi Eunice Akintoye has been appointed to officiate the Algeria versus Malawi semi final. Blueprint report

Akintoye’s appointment represents another significant recognition for Nigeria’s refereeing fraternity at the continental championship and provides the country with an opportunity to maintain its presence at the tournament despite the early exit of the Super Falcons.

The Nigerian official has successfully progressed through the earlier stages of the competition, surviving the process that saw several match officials sent home following the preliminary and knockout rounds.

Her continued involvement has now opened the possibility of further assignments as the tournament approaches its conclusion.

Another milestone for Nigerian refereeing

Reacting to the appointment, the Acting President of the NFRA, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, described Akintoye’s progress at the WAFCON as another milestone in the history of Nigerian refereeing.

Mejuobi said her exploits at the tournament represented evidence of a new vista for Nigerian referees seeking to establish themselves at the highest level of international football.

According to him, the continued presence of Nigerian officials in major continental competitions demonstrates the quality and potential within the country’s refereeing system.

He noted that such achievements would not only enhance the profile of the individual referees involved but also contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s reputation in international officiating.

NFRA backs Akintoye

Mejuobi, on behalf of the referees’ body in Nigeria, wished Akintoye the best of luck ahead of the semi final encounter, expressing confidence that she would justify the confidence placed in her.

The NFRA leadership also viewed her appointment as an encouraging development for other Nigerian referees who aspire to officiate at major international competitions.

Akintoye’s involvement means Nigeria will have a representative on the field as Algeria and Malawi battle for a place in the final of the continental championship.

Nigeria maintains WAFCON presence

Although the Super Falcons will not feature in the semi finals after their campaign came to an end in the knockout stage, Akintoye’s appointment offers Nigeria another avenue of representation at the tournament.

Her progress also highlights the importance of consistent performances by Nigerian match officials at international competitions.

The NFRA said such opportunities provide referees with valuable exposure and experience while helping to position them for even bigger assignments in the future.

As Algeria and Malawi prepare for their decisive semi final clash, attention will also be on Akintoye as she seeks to deliver a strong performance and further enhance Nigeria’s reputation in African football officiating.

For the Nigerian refereeing fraternity, her appointment is another indication that the country continues to have officials capable of earning recognition on the continent’s biggest football stages.