CAF appoints ‘smiling referee’, Chadian official for Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin Republic conflict

The Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) has introduced the appointment of referees for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches towards South Africa and Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng studies.

Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahammat and Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa will officiate the matches, respectively.

Nigeria’s Tremendous Eagles will face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Benin Republic’s Squirrels as a part of their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign.

For the match towards South Africa, CAF has appointed 38-year-old Mahammat, who has beforehand officiated within the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. He additionally served as a referee on the latest Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. The match will happen at 8 PM Nigeria time on Friday, June 7.

Mahammat will likely be assisted by 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 (fourth official). Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela from Egypt will act because the referee assessor, whereas Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam will function the match commissioner.

For the following match towards Benin Republic, CAF has chosen 43-year-old Ethiopian referee, who can also be known as the ‘smiling referee’.

This match will likely be held on the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, beginning at 4 PM Ivorian time (5 PM Nigeria time) on Monday, June 10.

Weyesa will likely 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 function the referee assessor, with David Yameogo from Burkina Faso because the match commissioner. Ivorian Claude Elloh will deal with safety.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed monitor file in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars reminiscent of William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Vivid Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and lots of others. He has additionally made a major affect in breaking switch information tales.

Grounded in video modifying, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.

With a Bachelor’s diploma in English Language from Adeyemi Faculty of Training and a Grasp’s Diploma in College Library and Media Expertise from the College of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel within the area.