2026 WCQ: FIFA Names Gabonese Ref For Benin Republic, Nigeria Clash

2026 WCQ: FIFA Names Gabonese Ref For Benin Republic, Nigeria Clash

Precious Oham

Gabonese official, Pierre Ghislain Atcho has been named the referee for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Benin Republic and Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

World-governing body, FIFA has made changes to the officiating team of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match scheduled for the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian capital on Monday, 10th June 2024.

The changes have sent packing Ethiopian official Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, who was originally designated as referee for the encounter scheduled to kick off at 4pm. In his place, Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho will now be the referee.

Weyesa’s compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew have been retained as assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2 respectively. However, another Ethiopian, Tewodros Mitiku, earlier designated as fourth official, has been thrown out, replaced by Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma.

The originally-designated referee assessor, match commissioner and security officer retain their places in the Day 4 encounter that comes up only three days after the Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo in a Day 3 battle.