FIFA has named Chadian referee Alhadi Mahamat to handle Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
The Super Eagles need victory in Polokwane to keep their 2026 qualification hopes alive.
World football body, FIFA, has appointed Chadian referee Alhadi Mahamat to officiate Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho next week.
The match, which is part of Matchday 9 fixtures, will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, October 10, 2025. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. South African time (5 p.m. Nigerian time).
Mahamat will lead an all-Chadian officiating team, with Bogola Issa as the first assistant referee, Moussa Hafiz as the second assistant referee, and Abdelkerim Ousmane serving as the fourth official. Kenyan official Alice Kimani will act as the referee assessor, while Eswatini’s William Shongwe will serve as match commissioner.
FIFA’s latest appointments come as the Super Eagles aim to secure maximum points in their remaining group fixtures to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C with 11 points, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who are tied on 14 points each. The Super Eagles must win both their upcoming matches to stand a strong chance of finishing top of the group.
Following the Lesotho game, Nigeria will return home to face Benin Republic on October 14 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. For that encounter, FIFA has confirmed Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed as the center referee, assisted by compatriots Mahmoud Aboulergal and Ali Teleb.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes were recently revived after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. The ruling overturned the result in favor of Lesotho, awarding them a 3-0 victory.
That decision altered the group dynamics, giving Nigeria renewed motivation heading into the final stretch. With two matches left, six points could lift the Super Eagles to 17 points, a total likely to secure top spot and a place at the 2026 World Cup.
