Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
The Kano State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has honored FIFA-badge referee Bashir Salisu as the Best Referee of the Year 2024.
The Independent Mirror reports that, the award was presented to Salisu at the launch of the SWAN calendar and annual awards ceremony, held on Thursday, January 6, 2025, at the NUJ secretariat in Kano.
According to Zahradden Saleh, Chairman of the Kano SWAN chapter, Salisu was recognized for his outstanding performances in fair officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and FIFA tournaments.
Bashir Salisu, born in 1990 in Fagge Quarters, Kano City, joined the Nigerian referees in 2007, earning his FIFA badge two years ago.
Salisu has officiated several high-profile matches, including the WAFU U-17 final in Ghana and serving as the fourth official in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Tunisia and Sao Tome and Principe in Tunis.
The award ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Sharif Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan Kano FA Chairman, Professor Abdurrashid Garba KHAIRUN University Vice Chancellor, former Kano Information Commissioner Baba Halilu Dantiye, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa OON, Makaman Bich among others.
