In a high-stakes Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) final filled with passion, drama, and intensity, one figure stood calm and composed in the middle of the storm—Anitsino Twanyanyukwa.
The Zambian centre referee earned the admiration of fans and players for her bold and unbiased officiating, even under immense pressure, Footballrover reports.
Anitsino Twanyanyukwa: A Calm Voice in the Midst of Chaos
While the players battled for continental glory, Twanyanyukwa was the quiet enforcer of fairness.
Unshaken and focused, she made several decisive calls—including one that reversed a controversial penalty initially awarded against Nigeria after consulting VAR.
It was indeed a special good job; well done by the centre referee.
These are the sort of referees Africa needs: bold, composed, and fully aware that excellence on the big stage opens even bigger doors.
Even Esther Okoronkwo, Nigeria’s star forward who was instrumental in the comeback win, applauded the referee’s judgement:
— “I felt like the referee got most of the calls right. And thank God there’s VAR. She went to the screen, reviewed it, and it wasn’t a penalty,” she said.
Fans React: ‘Unbiased,’ ‘World Class,’ and ‘Better Than the Men’
African football fans from all corners of the continent took to social media to share their thoughts on Anitsino Twanyanyukwa’s WAFCON 2024 final performance.
Here’s what they had to say:
Kinsobinho Athletico Akaolisah: “Thank God the ref is not from Ghana.”
Alu Aluta Lebza: “It’s all good until it favours your opponents. That’s VAR for you. 🤣🤣😂”
Mohammed Abdullah: “To me the female referees are better x20 than male referees in Africa…”
Oluwaseun Ayobami: “Her officiating was top-notch last night. So, I give her 9/10.”
Tion Staunch: “Unbiased referee”
Omoruyi Dave: “If the match was officiated by a man, the final result would have been different.”
Sam Essong: “Unbiased officiating...”
Ahia Innocent Obinwanne: “This ref is a world-class referee. I am very sure FIFA took notice of her unbiased decisions!”
Evans Elon: “Until the last whistle, I never knew the referee was a ‘she.’ Cos to be honest, her resilience was top-notch when compared to her male counterparts. She nailed it!”
Even more detailed praise came from:
Uyi Edogamhe: “The crux of the matter was that the ball hit the Nigerian defender’s body before it hit her hand. In that situation, it is not ruled a foul (penalty). If the ball had hit her straight on her hand, like it did the Moroccan player, it would have been ruled a penalty, no question.”
Abubakar Umar: “Especially her handball call against Nigeria, where she had to reverse the call, having made reference to VAR to confirm that the ball hit the player’s hand to put it in an unusual position.”
Several fans also gave credit to the VAR crew:
Joseph Mbrayip: “First and foremost, the credit should be given to the VAR team for the wonderful decisions that was a defining moment in the game.”
Aneke Jude: “I think VAR saved the day. But I appreciate all the referees.”
Francis Francis: “All the referees did well, including the VAR guys! Funny enough, VAR 2 is from Zambia.”
Joe Mick: “Not because Nigeria won; the ref stood on grand to have a good officiating. Kudos to her, kudos to African football, and kudos to the Federation of Football.”
A Referee Worthy of the Spotlight
With composure, professionalism, and fearless use of VAR, Anitsino Twanyanyukwa delivered one of the most well-respected refereeing performances in African women’s football history.
Her WAFCON 2024 display not only boosted the credibility of officiating in Africa but also inspired confidence in the growth of the women’s game.
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