World football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed the appointment of Pierre Ghislain Atcho from Gabon as the referee for the high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa.
The clash, scheduled for Tuesday at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, will serve as Matchday 8 in the African qualification series and is expected to be one of the most pivotal fixtures of the campaign.
According to FIFA’s appointment list, Atcho will be assisted by fellow Gabonese officials:
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Boris Marlaise Ditsoga – Assistant Referee 1
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Amos Abeigne Ndong – Assistant Referee 2
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Cregue Fleury Moukagni – Fourth Official
Additional oversight will come from Olivier Safari Kabene of DR Congo, who has been named referee assessor, while Ugandan Mike Letti will serve as the match commissioner.
Atcho, who has officiated several CAF Champions League fixtures, is regarded as a firm but fair official, and his appointment is seen as a move to ensure neutrality in what promises to be a fiery contest.
With both Nigeria and South Africa desperate for maximum points to boost their qualification hopes, all eyes will be on Bloemfontein for what could be a decisive showdown in the race to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
