World football’s governing body, FIFA, has confirmed the appointment of Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho to officiate the high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The showdown, scheduled for Tuesday at the Toyota Stadium, is Matchday 8 of the African qualification series and has been billed as one of the pivotal fixtures of the campaign, with both nations desperate for maximum points.
FIFA’s appointment list revealed that Atcho will be supported by compatriots Boris Marlaise Ditsoga (Assistant Referee 1), Amos Abeigne Ndong (Assistant Referee 2), and Cregue Fleury Moukagni (Fourth Official).
Additional oversight will come from Olivier Safari Kabene of DR Congo, who has been named referee assessor, while Uganda’s Mike Letti will serve as match commissioner.
Atcho, an experienced official who has handled several CAF Champions League fixtures, is expected to bring calm and neutrality to what promises to be a fiery contest.
Super Eagles Edge Rwanda
Earlier on Saturday, the Super Eagles reignited their qualification hopes with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The deadlock was broken in the 51st minute when substitute Tolu Arokodare pounced on a loose ball inside the box to slot home the winner.
Nigeria’s defense, led by Calvin Bassey, held firm to secure the three points, despite the setback of losing star striker Victor Osimhen, who limped off during the first half.
The win lifted Nigeria to 10 points after seven matches, keeping them within striking distance of group leaders South Africa, while Rwanda remains close behind on 8 points—tightening the race for qualification.
FIFA had earlier confirmed that Chadian referee Allaou Mahamat officiated the Uyo encounter, assisted by compatriots Bogollah Issa, Moussa Hafiz, and Abdelkerim Ousmane. Taher Abdelsalam Mahmoud of Egypt served as referee assessor, while Bakary Jammeh from Gambia was commissioner.