FIFA has confirmed that Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed will take charge of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin in Uyo on 14 October.
Amin Mohamed will be assisted by compatriots Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Ahmed Aboulergal and Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb, with fellow Egyptian Moustafa Elbana Mahmoud Zakaria Mohamed appointed as fourth official. Seychelles’ Jason Joseph Damoo will serve as referee assessor, while Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo has been named match commissioner. Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati of Eswatini will act as security officer.
The match, scheduled for 17:00 local time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, comes at a decisive moment in Group C following FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa. The disciplinary committee ruled that South Africa had fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2–0 win over Lesotho in March, overturning the result to a 3–0 victory for Lesotho.
The ruling has dramatically altered the group standings. Benin and South Africa are now level on 14 points after eight matches, with Benin leading on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda trail on 11 points each, while Lesotho’s tally has risen to nine. Zimbabwe, with four points, are eliminated.
For Nigeria, the development offers a lifeline. After recording five draws in eight matches, the Super Eagles face a must-win tie against Lesotho in Polokwane on 10 October before their showdown with Benin in Uyo. Six points from their final two fixtures could take them to 17 points – potentially enough to top the group, depending on other results.
If not, Nigeria may still qualify as one of the best four runners-up, though their goal difference of +2 leaves them behind Benin, South Africa and rivals from other groups.
The clash in Uyo could ultimately decide which nation secures a coveted place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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