Russia 2018: Botswana referee to officiate Nigeria/Zambia clash

Joshua Bondo, a 39-year-old referee from Botswana, will handle the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo on Oct. 7, the Nigeria Football Federation says.

In a statement on Wednesday by its Communications Department, the NFF said world football-ruling body FIFA appointed Bondo who has 10 years of international experience alongside two of his countrymen.

Oamogetse Godisamang, a 40-year-old international assistant referee since 2010, will serve as Assistant Referee 1, while Tirelo Mositwane, a 30-year-old international referee since 2013, will serve as Fourth Official.

However, Souru Phatsoane, from Lesotho will be Assistant Referee 2, while Carlos Henriques from South Africa will be the Referee Assessor.

Sudanese Osama Ataaelmanan will be the fixture’s Match Commissioner.

The Sudanese was also the Match Commissioner for the Match Day 4 clash between the Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Yaounde on Sept. 4.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that three-time African champions Nigeria will seal a sixth FIFA World Cup appearance with the minimum win in Uyo.

It is a clash that will see the winners of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and the champions of the 2013 edition come face-to-face.

NAN reports that the match’s kick-off time is 5pm at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Punch