World football governing body FIFA has announced a change in referees for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, Sportblog247.com reports.

The Super Eagles will face Benin on June 10 at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, three days after their match against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Originally, the officiating team for the Nigeria-Benin match included Ethiopian officials Bamlak Tessema Weyesa as the center referee, with Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew as assistant referees. Tewodros Mitiku was set to be the fourth official.

However, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed changes to the officiating lineup. The new center referee is Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho, while the assistant referees remain unchanged. The new fourth official is Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma.

As of now, the reason for this switch has not been disclosed.

The Super Eagles must secure victories in their upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin. Currently third in Group C of the qualifiers, a win in these games could propel them to the top of the group.