Akintoye reflects on successful WAFCON 2026 assignment in Morocco

Nigerian referee Yemisi Eunice Akintoye has reflected on her successful assignment at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after taking charge of the semi-final between Algeria and Malawi, which Malawi won 3-1.

The result sent Malawi into the WAFCON final for the first time in the country’s history. Although Malawi did not go on to win the championship, its run marked an important achievement for women’s football in the southern African nation.

Akintoye was part of the Nigerian group of match officials selected for the continental tournament. Her appointment to such a decisive fixture gave her the opportunity to officiate at the highest level of the competition and added to the visibility of Nigerian refereeing in Africa.

She described the Morocco tournament as both a major opportunity and a useful stage for development. Akintoye credited God, the Confederation of African Football and the instructors involved in the officials’ preparation for helping her through the assignment.

The referee also recognised the backing of the Nigeria Football Federation and the Nigeria Football Referees Association. She extended her appreciation to the Lagos State Referees Council and the Ikorodu Football Referees Society, organisations that contributed to her progress before her move onto the continental stage.

Akintoye further thanked her fellow Nigerians for their encouragement during the competition. Her WAFCON role represents another landmark for Nigerian match officials and highlights the route from local refereeing structures in Lagos to major African fixtures.