The Super Eagles will lock horns with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in their 2025 AFCON opener on Tuesday…
Mauritanian official Dahane Beida has been appointed as the center referee for Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania this Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles are set to begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Morocco.
Ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, CAF has confirmed that the 33-year-old Beida will be the man in the middle.
While the FIFA-listed official is as one of the most elite referees on the continent, his appointment might have raised a few eyebrows due to past results.
Mauritania referee Dahane Beida will officiate Nigeria’s opening game of the #TotalEnergiesaAFCON2025
He was the center referee for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Ivory Coast on 11 February 2024, which Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast.
— Official54fx (@54footballx) December 22, 2025
Dahane Beida’s History With The Super Eagles
Dahane Beida has built an impressive resume, officiating high-profile matches for both FIFA and CAF. His worked in three matches at the 2024 Olympic Games, where he oversaw two fixtures involving eventual champions Spain.
He was also one of the selected referees during the FIFA Club World Cup over the summer, taking charge of matches featuring European giants Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
However, Beida’s history with Nigeria is defined by a singular, painful memory. The Mauritanian was the match official for the 2023 AFCON final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, a match the former ultimately lost 2-1.
While his performance that night was considered average due to a few contentious decision, his officiating was not the main reason for Nigeria’s defeat.
Despite the bad omen some fans might fear, the Super Eagles remain the heavy favorites to
secure all three points against Tanzania.
The history with Beida should not be a problem as Nigeria will be looking to kick off their campaign in Morocco with a dominant performance.