The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Jayed Jalal as the center official for the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. The match will take place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21.
Jalal, 37, will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Mostapha Akarkad and Hamza Nassiri, who will serve as the first and second assistant referees, respectively.
The game is a must-win for both teams. Rwanda will be looking to solidify their position at the top of the Group C standings, while Nigeria aims to revive their World Cup qualification hopes with a crucial victory.
Rwanda currently leads Group C on goal difference, with Benin and South Africa also on seven points. Lesotho sits third with five points, while Nigeria, shockingly winless in their first four matches, is fifth—second from bottom—four points behind the group leaders. The Super Eagles have recorded three draws and one loss so far.
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Jalal is one of CAF’s most experienced referees from North Africa. He officiated the 2023 AFCON group-stage clash between Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
Known for his strict officiating style, he was in charge of Angola’s 2-1 victory over Sudan in an AFCON 2025 qualifier on September 9, 2024, where he issued eight yellow cards. He also oversaw Namibia’s 0-0 draw with Cameroon on November 13, 2024, handing out five yellow cards.
The Super Eagles will hope to secure their first win of the qualifiers under Jalal’s watch as they battle Rwanda for crucial points. Rwanda recently appointed Algeria coach Adel Amrouche to prosecute their World Cup qualifying games.
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