WORLD football governing body FIFA has named Chadian Alhadi Allaou Mahamat as the centre referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
The matchday 9 clash is scheduled for the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday, with kick-off set at 6pm South African time (5pm Nigerian time).
Allaou, who also handled the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on September 6, will work with compatriots Bogola Issa (assistant 1), Moussa Hafiz (assistant 2) and Abdelkerim Ousmane (fourth official).
FIFA also appointed Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani as referee assessor, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will be the match commissioner.
The Super Eagles are three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa in the six-team qualifying group.
The three-time African champions must win their two remaining games and hope South Africa falter in order to snatch the group’s only guaranteed spot for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, billed for the United States of America, Canada and Mexico next summer.