Moroccan referee to officiate Nigeria-Congo DR playoff final

By Tosin Omojola –

It is going to be a fight to the finish as Nigeria’s Super Eagles file onto the pitch this afternoon in Rabat to confront the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Both sides will aim to keep their hopes of featuring in the next Mundial alive by winning this game to qualify for the intercontinental playoff.

In Thursday’s semi-finals, Nigeria whitewashed Gabon 4-1, while Congo DR scored a late goal to edge Cameroon 1-0, thus setting up this titanic final match.

Obviously aware of the expectations of Nigerians, who have kept faith in the team after bouncing back from a faltering performance in the regular qualifying series, Eric Sekou Chelle and his lads know how important a win is this evening.

After Thursday’s emphatic win over Gabon, Chelle and his boys declared that they were fully ready for the final match, promising to give their all to ensure victory over the strong Congolese side.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed to officiate the decisive match.

Jayed is no stranger to the Nigerian team, having handled their Matchday Five World Cup qualifying fixture against Rwanda in March — a game the Super Eagles won 2-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, courtesy of a Victor Osimhen brace.

The 38-year-old will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi, who will serve as first and second assistant referees.

Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki has been designated as the fourth official, while Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Lahlou Benbraham of Algeria and Haitham Guirat of Tunisia.