2025 AFCONQ: CAF appoints Senegalese officials for Nigeria vs Benin Republic clash

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) appointed Senegalese official Issa Sy to handle the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers between Nigeria and Benin Republic on Thursday.

The arbiter who was in charge when the Super Eagles pipped Angola 1-0 at the same venue, in a quarter-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations finals, has been selected by CAF as referee for Thursday’s encounter, which will commence at 7 pm CIV time (8 pm Nigeria time).

He will be supported by compatriots Djibril Camara (assistant 1), Nouha Bangoura (assistant 2), and El Hadji Amadou Sy (fourth official).

Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be the commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be the referee assessor.

The Super Eagles need only one point from Thursday’s clash to be sure of a ticket to the 35th AFCON, scheduled for Morocco from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026.

They currently topped the table with 10 points after four games and will qualify for next year’s AFCON in Morocco by avoiding defeat against Gernot Rohr’s side.