From Buea to FIFA: The Rise of Cameroonian Referee Nkemazem Vincent
When the names of Cameroonian referees at the top level of their careers are mentioned, Nkemazem Vincent cannot be left out.
The 2024 winner of the Best Assistant Referee trophy at the Cameroon Ballon d’Or awards is now officiating at the highest stage of world football after being called, alongside Willy Ngah, another Cameroonian, to officiate at the upcoming 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.
A native of Lebialem Division, Nkemazem began his refereeing career in 2014, officiating local football competitions in the South West Region.
Over the years, he has shuffled between refereeing and teaching sports at the Biaka University Institute of Buea.
His breakthrough came in 2018 when he was named Best Assistant Referee in the South West Mini Interpools after officiating several games, including in the final.
That same year, he was promoted to the Elite 2 Championship, and just two years later, he made the leap into the top-flight Elite One.
Nkemazem Vincent’s professionalism and astuteness spurred his rise through the national refereeing ranks, where he officiated several key games in the Elite One Championship, ultimately winning the Best Assistant Referee prize for the 2023/2024 season, with a cash prize of FCFA 1 million.
He received his breakthrough FIFA badge in 2025 and began taking international assignments for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the FIFA.
He is among 24 Cameroonians approved by FIFA as referees, assistant referees, video match officials, and Futsal referees on its website.
Nkemazem’s latest assignment was officiating the Senegal vs. Ethiopia AFCON Qualifier on September 29, where he served as assistant referee while his countryman, Willy Ngah, was the central referee.
Before gaining a spotlight in refereeing, Nkemazem Vincent had pursued an academic path far from what he is now practicing.
He studied Educational Psychology at the University of Buea where he completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees a few years back.
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