CAF Awards 2025: Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan named Best Male Referee
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was named CAF Best Male Referee for 2025 on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco, underscoring a landmark year for officiating in the Horn of Africa. The honor was announced at the CAF Awards ceremony hosted at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. Uganda’s Nabadda was also recognized, taking the CAF Best Female Referee award.
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- The awards spotlight the continent’s top football officiating talent.
- Artan’s win highlights Somalia’s rising profile within African football.
- The ceremony drew regional leaders and top figures in African football.
Why the win matters for Somalia and CECAFA
Artan’s recognition is unprecedented for Somalia, a nation whose football infrastructure has been rebuilding. His visibility on the continental stage signals growing confidence in officials from the CECAFA region, which includes East and Central African nations. “This is a milestone for the CECAFA refereeing era. We congratulate our top stars Abdulkadir and Nabadda,” said Ali Ahmed, head of CECAFA refereeing.
- First Somali referee selected for a FIFA World Cup tournament.
- Among only three African center referees at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.
- Sole Sub-Saharan African center referee assigned to that tournament.
Career milestones that built to the CAF honor
Artan’s 2025 breakthrough followed a series of high-stakes assignments across African competitions. He became the first Somali to officiate a continental final, overseeing Pyramids FC’s win over Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo. He has also taken charge of fixtures at the Africa Cup of Nations, adding to his résumé of high-profile matches this year.
- First Somali official to handle a CAF continental final in Cairo.
- Regular AFCON assignments demonstrate CAF’s trust in his decision-making.
- Consistent performances across multiple competitions in 2024–2025.
Reaction in Rabat and what comes next
Artan thanked supporters of Somali football and urged players and officials across Africa to keep raising standards. “I am proud to receive this award. It is a privilege for me,” he said after accepting the trophy. The accolade is expected to reinforce investment in referee development programs across the CECAFA bloc and further normalize top-tier appointments for officials from emerging football nations.
- Artan emphasized gratitude and the collective effort behind the achievement.
- CECAFA leaders framed the award as a regional turning point.
- The recognition may open doors for more Somali officials in elite competitions.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
