Nigeria will still have a presence at the heart of WAFCON semi-final action, with a CAF Media officiating announcement naming Eunice Akintoye as referee for Algeria’s clash with Malawi in Rabat.

The Nigerian official is listed to take charge of a match carrying historic weight for both teams, with Algeria and Malawi appearing in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final for the first time.

The Rabat setting and the wider tournament stakes

Both Algeria and Malawi have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but a place in the continental final remains at stake.

Algeria reached the last four after a 2–1 comeback victory over Côte d’Ivoire, while Malawi advanced by defeating Ghana 2–1.

For Nigeria, Akintoye’s reported appointment provides a different form of representation after the Super Falcons were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

The officiating announcement also lists Cameroon’s Carine Atezambong as first assistant referee, DR Congo’s Mireille Kanjinga as second assistant and Kenya’s Josphine Wanjiku as fourth official.

Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga is listed as VAR, with Senegal’s Issa Sy and Kenya’s Peter Waweru also named in the video-assistant team.

The assignment carries extra pressure because of what is at stake.

CAF scheduled the semi-finals for August 12 in Rabat, with the final set for August 16. Algeria and Malawi are already guaranteed places at the next Women’s World Cup, but only one can continue the chase for the African title.

Malawi have produced one of the tournament’s breakthrough runs, while Algeria have built a historic campaign of their own.

Now the spotlight turns to a semi-final loaded with consequence for both teams and, according to the CAF Media officiating announcement, a Nigerian referee in the middle of it.

Cranse Sports

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