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By Oscar Okhifo
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), also known as the International Federation of Association Football, has appointed an all-Gabonese team of referees to officiate next week’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Experienced referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho will take charge of the encounter as the centre referee. He will be assisted by fellow Gabonese officials Boris Marlaise Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong, who will serve as Assistant Referees 1 and 2, respectively.
Another compatriot, Cregue Fleury Moukagni, has been named as the fourth official.
To ensure proper supervision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also appointed Olivier Safari Kabene from the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Referee Assessor, while Mike Letti from Uganda will serve as the Match Commissioner.
The high-stakes Group qualifier is scheduled for Tuesday next week at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, where both sides will be pushing for vital points in the race to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles head into the clash under pressure to regain momentum after a mixed start to their qualifying campaign.
With star players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi in the squad, the three-time African champions will be looking to assert their dominance over their long-time rivals and strengthen their chances of qualification.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, are enjoying a steady run in the qualifiers and will be banking on home advantage to unsettle Nigeria.
Coach Hugo Broos’ men are expected to put up a strong challenge, with Percy Tau and Evidence Makgopa carrying much of the team’s attacking responsibility.
Both teams remain among the frontrunners in their group, and with only the top team guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, every point will be decisive.
The Nigeria–South Africa rivalry has consistently delivered intensity, drama and memorable moments over the years.
The appointment of a neutral, all-Gabonese officiating crew is therefore seen as a step to guarantee fairness and transparency in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have called for national support and prayers from fans, assuring Nigerians that they will not disappoint in the games ahead.