The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Chadian official Alhadji Allaou Mahamat as the centre referee for the Super Eagles' Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Nigeria will host the Indian Ocean islanders in their opening fixture of the qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25.

Eric Chelle's side will be looking to kick off their campaign on the front foot by capitalizing on the 12th man advantage.

About Alhadji Allaou Mahamat

Allaou Mahamat is a 40-year-old Chadian match official who is a very experienced referee on the African continent.

He has officiated matches at some of the top competitions on the continent, including the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship.

From the Nigerian perspective, it is important to note that Allaou Mahamat has officiated two Super Eagles matches in the past.

He was the centre referee during Nigeria's 1-0 home win against Rwanda in Uyo during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Also, Mahamat was the centre referee when Nigeria beat Lesotho 2-1 away in South Africa in the same World Cup qualifiers.

Football-loving fans of Nigeria will be hoping for the same results when the Chadian official blows the whistle to begin hostilities in Uyo on Friday.

WDN