Beida, widely regarded as one of the most elite and experienced officials on the continent, returns to the center stage for Nigeria just ten months after officiating the high-pressure AFCON 2023 Final in Abidjan, where the Super Eagles narrowly lost to hosts Ivory Coast.
A Highly Decorated Official
The 33-year-old Mauritanian has seen his profile skyrocket in 2025. Prior to this appointment, Beida served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Sunday night's opening match of AFCON 2025, where Morocco secured a 2-0 victory over Comoros.
His recent curriculum vitae highlights his standing in global football, having officiated at:
• 2024 Paris Olympics: Where he handled high-profile matches, including the quarter-final between Japan and Spain.
• 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Beida took charge of two group-stage fixtures in the United States, including Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg.
• 2023 AFCON Final: The landmark match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Nigeria vs. Tanzania: Historical Context
This fixture marks a rare meeting between the two nations in the Africa Cup of Nations. The only previous encounter at the finals took place 45 years ago during the 1980 AFCON, where Nigeria emerged 3-1 victors in Lagos on their way to winning their first-ever title.
Statistically, Nigeria holds a dominant record over Tanzania, remaining unbeaten in their seven total meetings across all competitions (W4, D3, L0).
The Full Officiating Team
CAF has surrounded Beida with an experienced crew to ensure a smooth start to Group C:
• Center Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
• Assistant Referee 1: Jerson Emiliano dos Santos (Angola)
• Assistant Referee 2: Stephen Yiembe (Kenya)
• Fourth Official: Ahmed Imtehaz Heeralall (Mauritius)
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM West Africa Time (WAT) on Tuesday, December 23. Nigeria enters the tournament as one of the favorites, looking to build immediate momentum under the watchful eye of one of Africa’s most consistent referees.