FIFA appoints new officials for the match between Nigeria and Benin, a 2026 World Cup qualifier

The officiating crew for the forthcoming game between Nigeria and the Benin Republic has been altered, according to FIFA.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) said that the Super Eagles will play the Cheetahs of Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification that takes place next month.

Pierre Ghislain Atcho, an official from Gabon, will officiate the game in lieu of Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, an Ethiopian referee.

On Monday, June 10, 2024, the two teams will play at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

The announcement said, “The 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Benin Republic and Nigeria, which is scheduled for the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian capital on Monday, 10th June 2024, has changed due to changes made by the world-governing body, FIFA.”

“Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, an Ethiopian official, was originally assigned as the referee for the match, which was set to begin at 4 p.m., but the modifications have sent him packing. Pierre Ghislain Atcho, a Gabonese official, will take over as referee.

Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew, two of Weyesa’s countrymen, have been kept on as assistant referees 1 and 2, respectively. Tewodros Mitiku, an additional Ethiopian who had previously been named the fourth official, has been removed and Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma has taken his place.

Three days after the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana clashed at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Day 3, the original referee assessor, match commissioner, and security officer will still be in charge of the Day 4 match.