BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

For the third time in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat has been appointed to officiate a match involving Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Allaou, who handled Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo last year and the 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the same venue last month, will take charge of next week’s clash between Nigeria and Lesotho’s Crocodiles.

The Matchday 9 encounter will be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, October 10, 2025, with kickoff set for 6pm local time (5pm Nigeria time).

He will be assisted by compatriots Bogola Issa (Assistant Referee 1) and Moussa Hafiz (Assistant Referee 2), while Abdelkerim Ousmane will serve as the Fourth Official.

FIFA has also appointed Alice Damaris Kimani from Kenya as Referee Assessor, and William Makinati Shongwe of eSwatini as Match Commissioner.

Currently sitting three points behind Group C leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, the Super Eagles will be seeking a crucial victory in Polokwane to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.

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The countdown to the first-ever FIFA World Cup co-hosted by three nations — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — reached another historic milestone on Thursday with the unveiling of the tournament’s Official Match Ball, TRIONDA.

Designed and produced by adidas, TRIONDA brings together innovation, symbolism, and artistry in a ball that embodies the unity and diversity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Its name, derived from the Spanish word for “three waves,” reflects the unprecedented partnership of three host countries coming together to stage the 23rd edition of the world’s biggest football tournament.

A Design of Unity and Colour

TRIONDA’s vibrant red, green, and blue colour scheme pays tribute to the national colours of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, respectively. The design also incorporates a brand-new four-panel construction that mimics fluid wave patterns — a visual metaphor for the flow and connection among the co-host nations.

Each panel forms a central triangle, representing the bond among the three countries. Distinctive symbols from each nation — the maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico, and a star for the United States — adorn the surface. Touches of gold detailing echo the FIFA World Cup Trophy, underscoring the prestige of the global event.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, speaking at the launch, described TRIONDA as “a beauty” and a symbol of the tournament’s unifying spirit.

“I am happy and proud to present TRIONDA,” said Infantino. “adidas have created another iconic FIFA World Cup ball, with the design embodying the unity and passion of next year’s host nations. I can’t wait to see this beautiful ball hitting the back of the net. The countdown to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever is on – and the ball is rolling!”

Technological Innovation

Beyond aesthetics, TRIONDA features cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing performance and officiating accuracy.

Its connected ball technology, equipped with a 500Hz motion sensor chip, captures precise data on every movement — from flight trajectory to impact. This data integrates with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, aiding officials in real-time decision-making, particularly in offside calls and goal evaluations.

The ball’s deep seams are engineered to produce optimal flight stability, ensuring consistent aerodynamics under various conditions. Meanwhile, embossed micro-icons, only visible upon close inspection, improve grip and control during dribbling or shooting, especially in wet weather.

A Continuing Build-Up to 2026

The unveiling of TRIONDA follows several landmark moments in the buildup to the FIFA World Cup 26™, including the introduction of the tournament’s official mascots and the announcement that FIFA will donate $1 from every ticket sold to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Interest in the event has already reached record levels — over 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories participated in the Visa Presale Draw, marking a strong start to ticketing activities ahead of next year’s global spectacle.

As qualification races intensify across continents in the coming months, TRIONDA is expected to make its first on-field appearance during international windows in October and November 2025, ahead of the Final Draw in Washington DC on December 5, 2025.

With its innovative design, cultural symbolism, and advanced technology, TRIONDA continues adidas’ long-standing tradition of producing iconic match balls for football’s greatest stage — from the Telstar of 1970 to the Al Rihla of 2022.

In the words of Infantino, “The ball is rolling” — and so is the world’s anticipation for a World Cup that promises to be as bold, unifying, and dynamic as the TRIONDA itself.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA

Nigeria’s hopes of reigniting their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign havereceived a major boost with the return of star striker Victor Osimhen, who headlines the 23-man squad named by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle for this month’s crucial double-header against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Osimhen, who missed the match against South Africa through injury, is back to lead the attack as Nigeria seeks to climb from third place in Group C, trailing leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by just three points.

The former African Footballer of the Year, now playing for Galatasaray FC in Turkey, is expected to bring firepower and leadership to a forward line that struggled for precision in his absence.

His return comes at a critical juncture for the Super Eagles, who must take maximum points from the upcoming fixtures to revive their qualification chances.

In the last eight World Cup qualifying matches, he played just three against Rwanda, twice and Zimbabwe once.

It is expected that Osimhen’s inclusion, alongside other experienced campaigners, will make a difference.

Also back in the squad are defender Semi Ajayi, who returns from injury, and France-based striker Terem Moffi, while Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegunis recalled after a spell out.

The team retains a solid core with William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel in defence; Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi anchoring the midfield; and Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon offering attacking width.

Fixtures and Build-Up

Nigeria will face the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, 10 October, before returning home to Uyo for a fiery Matchday 10 clash against table-toppers Benin Republic on Tuesday, 14 October.

Players are expected to converge in Polokwane from their clubs across Europe and beyond on Monday, 6 October, to begin preparations.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey).

Forwards: Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

With Osimhen’s return injecting renewed confidence into the squad, the Super Eagles will be aiming to rediscover their winning rhythm and reassert their dominance in the qualification race for North America 2026.

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