The match officials for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying encounter against South Africa in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, next month, have been announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The game’s center referee will be Alhadi Allaou Mahamat, a Chadian official.
Twelve years ago, Mahamat turned pro and began officiating international matches. He has officiated in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. He officiated the 34th Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, which took place in Cote d’Ivoire.
The match, which starts at 8 p.m. Nigeria time on Friday, June 7, will see the 38-year-old working alongside Sudanese official Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah (assistant referee 1), Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe (assistant referee 2), and fellow countryman Pousri Armi Alfred (fourth official).
For the match on Day 3, Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam will act as the commissioner and Egypt’s Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela as the referee assessor.
The Super Eagles and the Benin Republic’s Cheetahs will square off on Day 4 at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan. The CAF has also named 43-year-old Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa as the referee. On Monday, June 10th, the game will begin at 4 p.m. CIV time (5 p.m. Nigeria).
Prominent figure in African refereeing, Bamlak Weyesa will collaborate with fellow countrymen Temesgin Samuel Atango (assistant referee 1), Tigle Gizaw Belachew (assistant referee 2), and Tewodros Mitiku (fourth authorized). In addition to David Yameogo of Burkina Faso acting as the commissioner and Ivorian Claude Elloh acting as the security officer, Djamel Haimoudi of Algeria will be the referee assessor.
