AFCON 2025
FIFA, the world football-governing body, has selected Chadian official Alhadi Allaou Mahamat as the referee for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
Allaou took charge of Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on September 6 (Matchday 7), and will work with compatriots Bogola Issa (assistant 1), Moussa Hafiz (assistant 2), and Abdelkerim Ousmane (fourth official).
Lesotho, with no CAF-approved stadium to host matches on its home soil will play the Matchday 9 encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, October 10, 2025, with kick off set for 6 p.m. South Africa time (5 p.m. Nigeria time).
FIFA has also appointed Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani as referee assessor, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will serve as commissioner.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, currently three points behind first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, will aim for an outright win to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, which will take place in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host next summer.
Lesotho go into the tie as one of the beneficiaries of FIFA’s decision to deduct three points and three goals from South Africa for using an ineligible player against them in March.
The Crocodiles are motivated to face the Super Eagles with three points and three goals added to their tally as they look to upset the three-time African champions.
