FIFA has announced changes to the officiating team for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between the Benin Republic and Nigeria, scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024.
![](https://aan.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-50.png)
The match expected to take place at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian capital match officials have now been replaced. Ethiopian official, Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, who was originally assigned as the referee for the match has been replaced by Gabonese referee, Pierre Ghislain Atcho.
![](https://aan.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WhatsApp-Image-2024-05-23-at-09.07.56-1024x576.jpeg)
However, Weyesa’s compatriots Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizaw Belachew will remain as assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2, respectively. Another Ethiopian official, Tewodros Mitiku, who was initially the fourth official, has been replaced by Cameroonian, Antoine Max Effa Essouma.
![](https://aan.africa/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-51.png)
The originally-designated referee assessor, match commissioner, and security officer will retain their positions for the Day 4 encounter of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier which will take place three days after the Super Eagles face Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for MatchDay 3.