2024 ballon d’Or: Vincent Nkemazem grabs best Assistant Ref. Award

FIFA match official Vincent Nkemazem returned from Morocco – where he attended a training camp organized by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, to some pleasant news. He is cameroon’s best assistant referee!

Oftenly used in dogged encounters covered with tension and high stakes due to his reputation as one of Cameroon’s finest, the man with the “Eagle’s eye” showed class and left little room for errors last term.

Nkemazem was honored at the end of 2024 season with a medal, after the championship’s last game that saw Victoria United take on Stade Renard of Melong.

After his award as best assistant referee on Friday, he remained thankful to all those who have been part of the process, following his development.

Nkemazem equally praised follow contenders: Cyrille Shikam and Charles Tirike Mbeng for remaining professional in the noble profession.

The young Buea-based referee who started officiating in 2014 was made one of Cameroon’s assistant referees approved to officiate international matches for the 2025 calender only in January, but it seems a long time ago.

Nkemazem’s career height Kickstarted in 2014. South West football stakeholders knew a rare gem was at hand.

He officiated the 2018 South West mini interpool finals and was voted best assistant referee.

Promotions in quick succession followed. In 2018, he was admitted into the Elite Two championship, and then gained admission into the Elite One championship in 2020.

From there hence, he maintained his place amongst the top officials, making the playoffs lists of: 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Nkemazem equally works as a sports and physical education trainer, recently moved from the South West to the Adama region. He has a degree in educational physiology from the university of Buea.