FIFA has appointed Egyptian referee Omar Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed to oversee Nigeria’s decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14.

According to the appointment letter obtained on Wednesday, Amin Mohamed will be assisted by compatriots Mahmoud Ahmed Kamel Ahmed Aboulergal and Ali Ahmed Tawfik Teleb, while Moustafa Elbana Mahmoud Zakaria Mohamed has been designated as the fourth official.

Other appointments include Jason Joseph Damoo of Seychelles as referee assessor, Ghana’s Prosper Harrison Addo as match commissioner, and Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati of Eswatini as security officer. The match will be staged at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. local time.

Nigeria’s clash with Benin carries added weight after FIFA’s disciplinary committee sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2–0 win over Lesotho in March. The result has been overturned to a 3–0 victory for Lesotho, reshaping the Group C standings.

Benin and South Africa now share top spot on 14 points after eight matches, with Benin ahead on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda sit close behind with 11 points each, while Lesotho climb to nine following the ruling. Zimbabwe, on four points, are already out of contention.

For the Super Eagles, the decision offers a lifeline. Having drawn five of their eight matches so far, they must first secure maximum points against Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 before the crunch showdown with Benin in Uyo.

A perfect return of six points from their final two games could see Nigeria finish with 17 points, enough to claim Group C leadership or at least rank among the best four runners-up. However, their modest +2 goal difference remains a concern compared to rivals.

The upcoming fixture in Uyo could ultimately determine whether Nigeria clinches a coveted ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.