In a powerful symbol of progress for African officiating, Uganda’s Shamirah Nabadda stepped into the global spotlight on Tuesday as the fourth official during the opening match of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup , a tightly contested showdown that saw Wuhan Jiangda WFC edge Auckland United FC 1-0 in front of a home crowd in China.
More than just a match, the occasion marked a milestone in the evolution of women’s football, not only for the players but also for the officiating team, which was composed entirely of African women , a bold statement of inclusion and rising continental influence. Nabadda, already a respected figure in CAF and FIFA circuits, joined forces with Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi (referee), Diana Chikotesha of Zambia, and Carine Atezambong of Cameroon to manage a game that kicked off a new era in international club competition.
On the pitch, Wuhan showed their class, dictating the flow and pace throughout the match. After an earlier effort was ruled offside, Jiang Chenjing struck the decisive blow in the 87th minute, capping a slick move initiated by Kim Hye-ri. The late goal broke the resistance of Auckland United, champions of the Oceania region, and propelled Wuhan into the next round.
Auckland’s last-gasp efforts during stoppage time weren’t enough to break Wuhan’s composure, as the Chinese champions booked a date in December with the soon-to-be-crowned CAF Women’s Champions League winners. That match will move the competition one step closer to crowning the world’s top women’s club.
For Nabadda, the match was more than an officiating duty , it was a statement of arrival. Her role in this landmark fixture not only elevates her status on the global refereeing stage but also reinforces the growing respect for African officials in top-tier women’s football. As the Women’s Champions Cup begins its story, so too does a new chapter for officials like Nabadda, who are breaking barriers , one whistle at a time.
