National Teams
International Friendly: Moroccan referee to officiate Super Eagles versus Black Stars
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Jayed Jalal from Morocco will officiate the FIFA international friendly between Ghana and Nigeria on Friday.
The 36-year-old, who participated in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire, will be assisted by compatriots Akarhad Mostafa (Assistant I), Brinsi Zakaria (Assistant II), and El Fariq Hamza (Fourth Official).
This match marks the first encounter between the two West African giants since the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off in March 2022. Ghana advanced to the World Cup after drawing 1-1 in Abuja following a goalless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Scheduled for a 16:00Hrs kick-off at the Grande de Stade Marrakech in Morocco on Friday, March 22, 2024, the international friendly will see both teams, boasting seven AFCON titles between them, face off without some key players. Reigning African Player of the Year Victor James Osimhen and Mohammed Kudus will miss the game due to injuries.
In their last friendly encounter played in London in October 2011, Nigeria and Ghana ended in a 0-0 draw. However, historical matches between the two sides have been filled with memorable moments, including Thomas Partey’s goal in Abuja that secured Ghana’s World Cup qualification in 2022.
Despite Nigeria’s recent struggles against Ghana in official matches, the friendly presents an opportunity for new heroes to emerge. AFCON 2023 stars such as Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, along with Kelechi Iheanacho and Sadiq Umar, are expected to feature prominently in the match at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
