Nigeria

FIFA changes official for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Benin

World football governing body FIFA have announced a change in referees for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers fixture against Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles lock horns with Benin on June 10 at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan. The game will be three days after they play South Africa at the Godswill Akpabi Stadium in Uyo.

Initially, the referees that were selected to oversee proceedings for the fixture between Nigeria and Benin were Ethiopian officials Bamlak Tessema Weyesa(center referee), and Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew as assistant referee 1 and 2 respectively. Also, Tewodros Mitiku was earlier designated as the fourth official.

However, some changes have been made to that lineup according to the NFF. The new center referee is Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho, but the assistant referees keep their place. Meanwhile, the new fourth official is Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma.

As of the time of this report, the reason for the switch has not been ascertained yet.

The Super Eagles have to come out on top in their two games against South Africa and Benin. They are currently third in group C of the qualifiers, but a win could see them climb to the summit of the group.

This post was last modified on May 22, 2024 9:05 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Photo: Ex-Chelsea boys-Ola Aina links up with Abraham and Tomori

Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has shared a picture of himself with his former Chelsea… Read More

7 hours ago

Finidi George reacts to Victor Osimhen’s viral comments on injury allegations – Reports

Former Ajax star Finidi George has responded to recent viral comments made by Super Eagles… Read More

8 hours ago

WATCH: Nigeria star Victor Osimhen donates N50 million to charity after public spat with Finidi George

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has committed to donate the sum of fifty million naira… Read More

9 hours ago

“I am not dumb” – Napoli’s Osimhen slams Finidi George on IG live over injury claims

Napoli and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has expressed strong disapproval towards Super Eagles coach… Read More

10 hours ago

WATCH: Victor Osimhen, Robert Pires, Claude Makélélé, Austin Okocha land in Abuja for charity match

Some of football's greatest players have landed in Abuja ahead of the Attom Foundation's Charity… Read More

10 hours ago

Super Falcons’ Oshoala reveals admiration for four-ring NBA legend

Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has revealed her admiration for Los Angeles Lakers star an… Read More

13 hours ago