FIFA has made significant changes to the officiating team for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Benin Republic and Nigeria, set to take place at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Ivory Coast on Monday 10 June.
Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, who was originally designated as the referee, has been replaced by Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho. Despite this change, Weyesa’s compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew will continue to serve as assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2, respectively.
Additionally, Ethiopian Tewodros Mitiku, initially assigned as the fourth official, has been replaced by Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma.
The referee assessor, match commissioner, and security officer originally designated for the match will retain their positions.
This crucial encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4pm, just three days after the Super Eagles face Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Eighteen-Eleven Media