FIFA has confirmed that Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed will officiate Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Benin. The clash is scheduled for October 14 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with kickoff set for 5:00 pm local time.
Match Officials
Amin Mohamed will be supported by an all-Egyptian team:
- Assistant Referee 1: Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Ahmed Aboulergal
- Assistant Referee 2: Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb
- Fourth Official: Moustafa Elbana Mahmoud Zakaria Mohamed
Other key appointments include:
- Referee Assessor: Jason Joseph Damoo (Seychelles)
- Match Commissioner: Prosper Harrison Addo (Ghana)
- Security Officer: Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati (Eswatini)
High Stakes for the Super Eagles
The fixture is crucial for Nigeria’s qualification hopes as Group C remains tightly contested. The Super Eagles are under pressure following FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa, which reshaped the standings.
Earlier, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that South Africa fielded ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2–0 win over Lesotho in March. The result was overturned, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory.
Updated Group C Standings
- Benin: 14 points
- South Africa: 14 points
- Nigeria: 11 points
- Rwanda: 11 points
- Lesotho: 9 points (boosted by FIFA ruling)
- Zimbabwe: 4 points (eliminated)
Outlook
With the group finely balanced, the Nigeria vs Benin clash in Uyo could prove decisive in determining who secures a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
