The Super Eagles‘ quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces a critical juncture in June, with two crucial qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. However, adding another layer of intrigue to these encounters is the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) appointment of referees from Chad and Ethiopia to oversee these destiny-defining clashes.
The pressure is immense for the Super Eagles. After two opening draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, they find themselves precariously perched in third place in Group C.
Three points are desperately needed to reignite their qualification hopes, but standing in their way are a resurgent South Africa and a Benin Republic team led by former Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr.
Chadian Official takes charge of Nigeria vs South Africa showdown
For the opening match against South Africa on 7 June at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, CAF has entrusted the officiating duties to 38-year-old Chadian official, Alhadi Allaou Mahamat. Mahamat, a FIFA referee for the past 12 years, boasts experience in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions. He also officiated at the recent 34th Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year.
Mahamat will be assisted by a team of officials from across Africa. Sudanese official Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah will serve as the first assistant referee, while Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe takes the second assistant referee position. His compatriot, Pousri Armi Alfred, will act as the fourth official. The encounter kicks off at 8 pm Nigerian time, with Egyptian Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela serving as the referee assessor and Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam as the commissioner for the day.
Nigeria vs South Africa; A rivalry rekindled
The clash between Nigeria and South Africa promises to be a tense affair. Both sides are desperate for points, and historical encounters paint a picture of a closely contested rivalry. At the last Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa stretched Nigeria to a penalty shootout, with the heroics of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali securing victory for the Super Eagles.
The last time Bafana Bafana visited Nigeria in 2017, they emerged triumphant with a convincing 2-0 win, a result that still stings Nigerian fans. This June encounter marks the first time the South African men's team will play in Nigeria since that 2017 clash, and they undoubtedly approach the fixture with a sense of optimism.
Ethiopia's Bamlak Tessema Weyesa takes centre stage for Nigeria vs Benin Republic
Nigeria's second crucial encounter will take place on 10 June against Benin Republic at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. This match presents a unique challenge, as CAF deemed stadiums in Benin substandard for hosting international matches, necessitating a neutral venue.
Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, a 43-year-old with a proven track record, will be the man in the middle for this encounter. Weyesa boasts experience on the African continent, having officiated in various CAF competitions. He will be assisted by compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango (first assistant referee), Tigle Gizaw Belachew (second assistant referee ), and Tewodros Mitiku (fourth official). Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria will be the referee assessor, while David Yameogo from Burkina Faso will serve as the commissioner. Ivorian Claude Elloh will act as the security officer for the match.
Super Eagles seek redemption against former coach Gernot Rohr
The Nigeria vs Benin Republic clash carries an additional layer of intrigue. Gernot Rohr, the former coach of the Super Eagles, now finds himself at the helm of the Benin Republic team.
Rohr's familiarity with Nigerian football tactics and player strengths adds another dimension to the encounter. Nigeria will be looking to avoid a repeat of the underwhelming performances that saw them draw their opening qualifiers and secure a crucial victory against their former coach.