Photo: Google
Chadian referee Alhadji Allaou Mahamat has been chosen by the Confederation of African Football to officiate Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar on Friday.
The 40-year-old is an experienced CAF match official who has handled fixtures in the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship.
Mahamat is also familiar with the Super Eagles, having taken charge of two of Nigeria’s matches during the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He was the centre referee when Nigeria defeated Rwanda 1–0 in a qualifying fixture in Nigeria.
The Chadian official also handled Nigeria’s away encounter against Lesotho in South Africa, where the Super Eagles recorded a 2–1 victory.
Mahamat will now oversee another important fixture involving Nigeria when the Super Eagles welcome Madagascar’s Barea to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The encounter marks Nigeria’s first match in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON finals.
