Football
From Villain to Hero: Omar Artan’s remarkable rise from World Cup heartbreak to UEFA Super Cup glory

Somalian referee Omar Artan Abdulkadir’s journey over the past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the disappointment of missing out on the FIFA World Cup due to circumstances beyond his control to earning one of the most prestigious appointments in world football, Artan has transformed adversity into inspiration.
Artan was initially selected among the match officials for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, his dream of officiating at football’s biggest stage came to an abrupt halt after he was denied entry into the United States by American border authorities.
The decision effectively ruled him out of the tournament. While some fans suggested he could have been stationed in either Canada or Mexico, such an arrangement was never realistic. FIFA’s refereeing teams operate from a centralized command-and-control center, which for the tournament was based in Miami, Florida. All training sessions, fitness assessments, technical briefings, and match appointment decisions were coordinated from that location.
Despite the setback, Artan returned home to a hero’s welcome in Somalia. Government officials, football administrators, and fans celebrated his achievements, recognizing that his exclusion from the tournament did not diminish his status as one of Africa’s elite referees.
Several prominent business figures pledged financial support, with one businessman reportedly offering him USD 100,000 the amount he would have earned during the World Cup. In another show of support, Canadian officials reportedly assured him that he would always be welcome in Canada.
UEFA Throws Artan a Lifeline
In a stunning turn of events, UEFA announced that Omar Artan will officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, scheduled for 12 August in Salzburg. The match will feature UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain against UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa.
The appointment is being hailed as a landmark moment for African refereeing.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised the Somali official, saying:
“Omar Artan is an excellent young but already experienced referee, who has proven himself at the highest competition level of the Confederation of African Football. Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination.”
Čeferin also thanked CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe for supporting the initiative.
The appointment forms part of a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between UEFA and CAF aimed at strengthening cooperation in several areas, including referee development and exchange programmes.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe welcomed the decision, stating:
“Omar Artan has made Somalia and the entire people of the African continent extremely proud. His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys.”
Motsepe added that Artan’s UEFA Super Cup appointment demonstrates how football can unite people across continents.

Following in the Footsteps of African Pioneers
While Artan’s appointment is historic, he joins a select group of CAF officials who have officiated in competitions outside Africa through referee exchange programmes.
The most notable example came during the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where Gambian referee Bakary Gassama represented Africa.
Bakary Gassama’s Gold Cup Assignments
- Jamaica 2-0 Suriname (Group Stage) – Referee
- Panama 2-3 Honduras (Group Stage) – Referee
- Costa Rica 0-2 Canada (Quarterfinal) – VAR
- Qatar 1-0 USA (Semifinal) – VAR
Djibril Camara’s Gold Cup Assignments
- Jamaica 2-0 Suriname (Group Stage) – Assistant Referee
- Panama 2-3 Honduras (Group Stage) – Assistant Referee
- Qatar 1-0 USA (Semi-final) – Assistant Referee
The exchange programme has also worked in reverse.
During the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, played in Cameroon in 2022, CONCACAF officials were invited to officiate at Africa’s premier football tournament.
Non-CAF Officials at AFCON 2021
Mario Escobar (Guatemala)
- Senegal 1-0 Zimbabwe (Group Stage) – Referee
- Gambia 1-0 Tunisia (Group Stage) – Referee
Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)
- Served as a VAR official during the tournament.
A New Chapter for African Refereeing
Omar Artan’s appointment to the UEFA Super Cup represents more than personal redemption. It is a victory for Somali football, African refereeing, and the growing collaboration between CAF and UEFA.
From the pain of missing the World Cup to earning one of Europe’s most prestigious appointments, Artan’s story is a reminder that setbacks do not define careers. Perseverance, excellence, and resilience do.
For many across Africa, Omar Artan is no longer the referee who missed the World Cup. He is the referee who came back stronger.
The post From Villain to Hero: Omar Artan’s remarkable rise from World Cup heartbreak to UEFA Super Cup glory appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Football
KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa

The air at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo is thick with anticipation this Saturday afternoon as KCCA FC Women lock horns with St Noa Girls Zana FC in a high-stakes Matchday Two encounter of the 2026/27 FUFA Women’s Super League.
Scheduled for a 4 pm kickoff, this early season contest carries the heavy weight of championship ambition, tactical intrigue, and the unyielding competitive energy of Uganda’s top flight women’s football. Crucially, both sides step onto the pitch carrying maximum points from the opening weekend, setting the stage for an explosive battle.
The Kasasiro Ladies return to their familiar home surroundings hoping to make it two wins from two, aiming to cement their status as early title contenders. Last weekend, KCCA made a resounding opening statement by brushing aside URA Ladies FC 3-0 away from home in a clinical display that seamlessly combined sharp transitions with defensive solidity.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the KCCA FC Women head coach Hamza Lutalo made the team’s objective crystal clear;
“We have prepared well for our second match, and we want to go into the break with 6 points. We continued to add to our squad, and the good players don’t stress you as a coach, and I can guarantee you will see those good players against St. Noa Girls, and I know they will add some energy to the team.”
The manager also stressed the psychological boost of their opening triumph;
“If we want to compete in the League, we have to win our home games. Winning our away game against URA FC Women gave us a lot of energy, and we shall do everything possible to win our game at home.”
Adding to KCCA’s tactical depth is new recruit Yuster Kayesu, who provides a potent fresh option in both the attacking and midfield areas as the club continues to bolster its roster. Kayesu is eager to make an immediate impact if given the nod;
“If I am given a chance to play, I promise to create an impact on the game against St Noa Girls, to command the midfield and to help my fellow players to achieve so that the team wins. I want to score and assist and promise to do my best.”

KCCA’s lofty ambitions will face a stern, uncompromising test from a St Noa Girls side that also began the campaign on a winning note. St Noa edged She Corporate FC 1-0 on Matchday one, displaying the defensive resilience and tactical discipline that could prove deeply frustrating for KCCA’s energetic attackers.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Lugogo, St Noa central defender Barbra Anomo radiated quiet confidence;
“Tomorrow we have our second game in the first round of the league. We are also well prepared. The coaches have given us a lot. We have prepared enough to make sure that we win tomorrow’s game. And we believe that we can make it.”
Teammate Brenda Nassaka echoed that sentiment, insisting St Noa’s approach will remain completely unchanged regardless of the opponent’s pedigree;
“Every game is different, but our mentality stays the same. We want to compete, enjoy our football and most importantly, we want the three points.”
Saturday’s tie is projected to evolve into a fascinating tactical chess match. KCCA are expected to stretch the pitch and utilize pace on the flanks to try and break down what will likely be a resolute St Noa low block.
Conversely, the visitors will look to stay intensely organised, leverage their physical presence inside the box, and exploit open spaces through lightning-fast counterattacks.
With both sides sitting neatly on three points, this Matchday two fixture carries vastly more weight and an invaluable early glimpse into whether either side can successfully sustain the punishing momentum required for a gruelling title challenge over a long and demanding campaign.
Matchday Two Fixtures
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm
- KCCA Women FC Vs St Noa Girls Zana FC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
- Jinja United WFC Vs She Corporate FC – Iganga Ssaza Ground
- She Maroons FC Vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC -Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm
- Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC Vs Rines SS WFC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
- Amus College WFC Vs Lady Doves FC – Amus Stadium, Bukedea
- URA Ladies FC Vs Makerere University WFC -Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo
The post KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Football
AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali

Rwanda made a brilliant start to their AFCON 2027 PAMOJA qualification campaign after defeating Liberia in their first group game on Friday.
The Amavubi Stars cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over Liberia at the Amahoro Stadium to take early charge in Group K.
Abeddy Biramahire, Mickels Leroy Jacques and Mickels Joy Lance scored a goal each for Rwanda while Sylvanus Nimely got the consolation for Liberia.
Biramahire fired Rwanda into an early lead, scoring just after two minutes before Leroy doubled the advantage three minutes after the half hour mark.
Nimely pulled one back for Liberia five minutes later but Rwanda once again pulled away with the third goal from Lance who converted from the spot to restore the two-goal cushion.
The second half was largely about protecting the lead from the home side despite efforts from Liberia to search for more goals.
In the same group, Mali takes on Cape Verde later on today in Bamako.
On matchday two, Rwanda will make a long trip to face Cape Verde while Liberia will be at home to Mali.
The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Football
Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom
Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.
- Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.
His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.
Nigerian football crisis
Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.
Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.
“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.
The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.
“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.
Nigerian football and leadership
Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.
His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.
The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.
For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.
“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.
Nigerian football needs a clear pathway
Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.
He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.
According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.
That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.
Nigerian football and fading infrastructure
Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.
He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.
He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.
While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.
Nigerian football at a crossroads
The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.
Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.
He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.
The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.
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