Chadian referee to officiate Bafana-Nigeria clash

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday May 16, 2024. 15:26

Chadian match official Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will be in the centre when Nigeria host South Africa next month.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on 7 June 2024.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be hoping to secure their first win in the qualifying group (Group C) after drawing their first team matches, while South Africa defeated Benin before losing to Rwanda.

The Nigerian Football Federation issued the following statement ahead of the blockbuster clash.

“Chadian official, Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will be in the centre when the Super Eagles host South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo next month,” a statement read.

“Mahamat, 38, became an international referee 12 years ago and has officiated in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions. He was also a referee at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations held in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.

“Mahamat will work with 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) at the encounter that will commence at 8pm Nigeria time on Friday, 7th June.

“Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela from Egypt will serve as the referee assessor while Ghanaian Munkaila Nassam Adam will be the commissioner for the Day 3 clash.”