Rabat (KAAB TV) Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been crowned the CAF Best Male Referee for 2025 at the CAF Awards ceremony held Wednesday evening at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco.
Artan, who has officiated several high-profile matches this year, topped the continent’s refereeing category, while Nabadda from Uganda was named CAF Best Female Referee.
“This is a milestone for the CECAFA refereeing era. We congratulate our top stars Abdulkadir and Nabadda,” said Ali Ahmed, the head of CECAFA refereeing, in a statement following the announcement.
Artan expressed gratitude after receiving the award, thanking those who have supported Somali football and encouraging Somali and African players to keep elevating their game.
“I am proud to receive this award. It is a privilege for me,” he said.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan has made history as the first Somali referee selected for a FIFA World Cup tournament. He was among only three centre referees chosen from Africa and is the sole representative from Sub-Saharan Africa to officiate at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.
Earlier, Artan became the first Somali referee to officiate a continental final, overseeing Egypt’s Pyramids FC victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo. He has also officiated matches at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).