The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Senegalese official Issa Sy as the referee for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria in Marrakech.

CAF had earlier appointed Omar Artan for the match but later reversed the decision following rising concerns over refereeing controversies at the tournament.

Sy is had earlier worked as the Video Assistant Referee during the group-stage encounter between Morocco and Tanzania.

His appointment is seen as a move to ease tension ahead of the crucial tie, with both Nigeria and Algeria fighting for a spot in the semi-finals.

Nigeria secured their quarter-final ticket with a dominant 4-0 win over Mozambique, while Algeria edged past DR Congo 1-0 after extra time.

Saturday’s showdown is a rematch of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, where Algeria triumphed 2-1 thanks to a dramatic late free-kick by Riyad Mahrez.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.

Nigeria has ended its campaign for the 2026 World Cup following Sunday night defeat by DR Congo.

The match which was played in Morocco initially ended in a draw with both sides scoring one goal each.

In a penalty shootout that followed, DR Congo defeated Nigeria with 4 goals to 3.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to play in Sunday’s 2026 World Cup playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The clarification ends uncertainty among Nigerian supporters after reports suggested the midfielder might miss the decisive fixture due to accumulated yellow cards.

According to an update shared on the Super Eagles’ official X page on Saturday, CAF stated that cautions picked up during the World Cup qualifying rounds do not carry over into the playoff stage. Only players with confirmed suspensions are barred from participating.

“CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo. Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply,” the statement said.

Ndidi was one of Nigeria’s standout performers in Thursday’s 4–1 semifinal victory over Gabon. Captaining the team, he delivered a dominant midfield display and assisted Chidera Ejuke for Nigeria’s second goal.

The Super Eagles face DR Congo on Sunday at 8 p.m. Nigerian time in what will be a decisive encounter. The winner will secure Africa’s slot in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.