The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will be officiated by Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat.
The 38-year-old Mahamat has been a FIFA referee since 2012 and recently served as the fourth official during South Africa’s goalless draw with Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Additionally, he oversaw the 3-0 home loss of Dream FC of Ghana to Zamalek SC in the semi-final of the Confederation Cup.
The referee has experience officiating in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions. Additionally, he served as a referee at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations held in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.
For the upcoming encounter on Friday, 7th June, Mahamat will be working alongside Sudanese official Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah (assistant referee 1), Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe (assistant referee 2), and compatriot Pousri Armi Alfred as the fourth official. The match is scheduled to commence at 8pm Nigeria time.
Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela from Egypt has been appointed as the referee assessor for the upcoming match, while Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam will be the commissioner for the Day 3 clash.
In addition, Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, aged 43, has been chosen as the referee for the Day 4 encounter between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4pm CIV time (5pm Nigeria) on Monday, 10th June.
Bamlak Weyesa, a respected figure in African refereeing, will be supported by fellow Ethiopians Temesgin Samuel Atango (assistant referee 1), Tigle Gizaw Belachew (assistant referee 2), and Tewodros Mitiku (fourth official). Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria will serve as the referee assessor, while David Yameogo from Burkina Faso will take on the role of commissioner, and Ivorian Claude Elloh will be the security officer for the match.
