Morocco’s Jalal Jayed Appointed Referee for Super Eagles vs DR Congo Playoff Final

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed to officiate the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the appointment ahead of the decisive fixture, which will determine one of Africa’s final representatives at the global tournament. Jayed is regarded as one of North Africa’s top referees and has handled several high-profile continental matches in recent years.

He is not new to Nigeria’s senior national team. The 38-year-old previously officiated the Super Eagles’ Matchday Five World Cup qualifying clash against Rwanda in Kigali last March. Nigeria won that encounter 2-0, with striker Victor Osimhen scoring both goals at the Amahoro Stadium.

For Sunday’s final, Jayed will be assisted by his compatriots Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi, who will serve as first and second assistant referees respectively. Tunisian official Mahrez El Malki has been designated as the fourth official for the high-stakes match.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team will also feature top North African officials. Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham and Tunisia’s Haitham Guirat have been assigned to oversee VAR operations for the decisive contest, which is expected to attract massive attention across the continent.

Both Nigeria and DR Congo are pushing for a place at the 2026 World Cup, and Sunday’s clash promises intense competition as the two teams fight for the coveted ticket.