Super Eagles eye back-to-back wins after edging Rwanda, as Bloemfontein clash looms large in Group C race
World football governing body, FIFA, has announced Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho as the man to officiate Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against South Africa on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.
The high-stakes encounter, scheduled for the Toyota Stadium, marks Matchday 8 of the African qualification series and is already regarded as one of the defining fixtures in Group C. With just a handful of games left, both the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana are desperate for maximum points to keep their dreams of reaching the global showpiece alive.
Atcho, a respected official with CAF Champions League experience, will be supported by fellow Gabonese referees Boris Marlaise Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong, who will serve as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Cregue Fleury Moukagni will act as the fourth official. FIFA further confirmed that Olivier Safari Kabene from the Democratic Republic of Congo will serve as referee assessor, while Ugandan official Mike Letti will function as the commissioner.
The choice of Atcho is widely seen as an effort to ensure calm and neutrality in what is expected to be a fiery and tightly contested affair. Nigeria, who sit just behind group leaders South Africa, head into the showdown buoyed by a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last Saturday.
That tense encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium had remained goalless until the 51st minute when substitute Tolu Arokodare pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area to score the decisive goal. Despite losing star striker Victor Osimhen to injury in the first half, the Super Eagles held their ground with Calvin Bassey marshalling the defense superbly to repel Rwandan advances.
The victory pushed Nigeria to 10 points after seven matches, reigniting hopes of qualification and moving them within touching distance of South Africa. Rwanda, meanwhile, slipped back on 8 points, adding further intensity to an already competitive group.
FIFA had earlier confirmed Chadian referee Allaou Mahamat as the official for the Matchday 7 clash in Uyo, supported by compatriots Bogollah Issa, Moussa Hafiz, and Abdelkerim Ousmane. Taher Abdelsalam Mahmoud of Egypt served as referee assessor, while Gambian Bakary Jammeh was appointed as match commissioner.
Now, all eyes turn to Bloemfontein where Nigeria, reinvigorated by their hard-fought win, will attempt to topple South Africa and seize control of Group C. For coach Finidi George and his men, the encounter is more than just a qualifier—it is a must-win battle in their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
0 Comments