The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Chadian official Alhadi Allaou Mahamat as the lead referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa, scheduled for next month.
The 38-year-old, who became an international referee in 2012, is one of the most experienced officials on the continent, having officiated matches in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions. He also officiated at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast earlier in the year.
Mahamat will be joined by Sudanese official Mohammed Ibrahim Abdallah, who will work as the first assistant referee; Abelmiro Dos Reis Monte Negro from Sao Tome & Principe (assistant referee); and compatriot Pousri Armi Alfred, who has been earmarked as the fourth official.
Egyptian official Ahmed Sayed Abou Elela will serve as the referee assessor, while Ghana’s Munkaila Nassam Adam has been appointed as the commissioner for the tie.
The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana will lock horns in a crucial Group C encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, June 7.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Bamlak Tessema Weyesa has been appointed by CAF to oversee the match between the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, slated to take place on Monday, June 10, at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan.
The 43-year-old will be joined by compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango (assistant referee 1), Tigle Gizaw Belachew (assistant referee 2), and Tewodros Mitiku (fourth official).
Algeria’s Djamel Haimoudi will be the referee assessor, while David Yameogo from Burkina Faso will serve as the commissioner, and Ivorian Claude Elloh will work as a security officer.
