FIFA appoints Chadian referee Allaou for Nigeria Vs Lesotho World Cup qualifier
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the appointment of Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat to officiate the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Lesotho.
The fixture, scheduled for Friday, 10th October 2025, will take place at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa. Kick-off is set for 6:00 p.m. local time, corresponding to 5:00 p.m. in Nigeria.
Allaou, who previously handled Nigeria’s narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Matchday 7, will once again lead the officiating team.
He will be assisted by fellow Chadian officials Bogola Issa and Moussa Hafiz, serving as assistant referees one and two respectively. Abdelkerim Ousmane will take up the role of fourth official.
FIFA has also designated Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani as the referee assessor for the match, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will serve as the match commissioner.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, currently trailing group leaders Benin Republic and second placed South Africa by three points, are under pressure to secure a win.
