Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed will take charge of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs final between Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Jayed is no stranger to the Super Eagles. He officiated Nigeria’s 2–0 win over the Amavubi of Rwanda in March.
The 38-year-old also took charge of Nigeria’s 2–1 friendly win over perennial rivals Black Stars of Ghana in 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco.
He will be assisted by his compatriots Mustapha Akarkad (first assistant referee), and Zakaria Bernissi (second assistant referee).
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Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki will serve as fourth official.
On VAR duty will be Lahlou Benbraham of Algeria and Tunisia’s Haitham Guirat.
The game is slated for the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, Rabat.
The winner will qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March, 2026.
By Adeboye Amosu
4 Comments
Nigeria World Cup Qualifying
Before Chelle:
0 Win ✅ • 3 Draw • 1 Loss ❌
With Chelle:
5 Win ✅ • 2 Draw • 0 Loss ❌
Give this man his flower pls. He has successfully steadied the ship and I’m certain we won’t have been in this situation had it been he started this journey with the team..
Very correct @ Femi for the observation! We have to give credit when credit is due. We most certainly would not play those 2 draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe, especially the give away to Lesotho at home in 1st day qualifier.
I also think the players did not take those initial games seriously, and injury to Osimhen and co denying him from the first 4 matches also played a role in South Africa running away with the ticket from the 1st 4 fixtures. Even with the rigging in SA favour- playing 7 matches at home- couldn’t have stopped us.
Yea….If not for Ekong Chille will hv qualified us
True…..
Due to Ekong’s sloppiness, last minute equalizer with Zimbabwe would not have happened.
Due to Ekong’s sloppiness, own goal against the Super Eagles would not have happened.
Ekong is getting old and his legs weakling. The famous center backs tagged “Oyinbo wall” with Leon Balogun has finally crumbled.
Chelle should please stick with the center back formation of Calvin Bassey and Frederick