The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Jayed Jalal to officiate Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Footynaija.com reports.

The match will take place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21.

Jalal, 37, will be joined by compatriots Mostapha Akarkad and Hamza Nassiri, who will serve as the first and second assistant referees.

The Moroccan trio will oversee a contest that is pivotal for both sides, with Nigeria looking to revive their qualification hopes while Rwanda aims to strengthen their grip at the top of Group C.

Rwanda currently lead the group on goal difference, level on seven points with Benin and South Africa. Lesotho sit third with five points, while Nigeria, surprisingly winless after four matches, languishes in fifth place with just three points. The Super Eagles have drawn three games and lost one, leaving them four points adrift of the leaders.

Jalal is one of the most experienced referees in African football, having officiated high-profile CAF club and international matches.

Known for his firm approach, he has issued 13 yellow cards in his last two major assignments—eight in Angola’s 2-1 win over Sudan in a 2025 AFCON qualifier and five during Namibia’s goalless draw with Cameroon.

The Moroccan official last oversaw a Nigeria match on March 22, 2024, when the Super Eagles secured a 2-1 friendly win over Ghana in Morocco. There were five cards dished out in that encounter with Ghanaian defender Jerome Osei Opoku sent off in the 56th minute.

His strict officiating style will be a factor as Nigeria seek their first victory of the qualifiers under his watch.

Rwanda, under newly appointed coach Adel Amrouche, will be hoping to maintain their strong start, while Nigeria faces a must-win situation to keep their World Cup dream alive.

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