Guinean referee to officiate Nigeria-Ethiopia friendly

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) on Thursday said three Guineans would be part of officials for Saturday’s international friendly match between the home-based Super Eagles and their Ethiopian counterparts.

The association’s Assistant Director of Media, Ademola Olajire, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, said they would be joined by a Nigerian official.

The match will take place on Saturday, 4 January at the Abuja National Stadium.

“The match’s Centre Referee is 38-year-old Yakhouba Keita, who has been an international referee since 2004, while the First Assistant Referee is 33-year-old Moustapha Toure who became an international assistant referee in 2007.

“Abdel Raffi, who became an international assistant referee in 2013, will be the Second Assistant Referee, while the NFA will appoint a Nigerian to serve as the Fourth Official,’’ the statement said.

Saturday’s match was arranged by the NFA for the Super Eagles’ Team B to further prepare for the expected challenges at the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The competition is holding in South Africa from January 11 to 1 February.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group A with hosts South Africa, Mali and Mozambique for the third edition of the continental championship.

Nigeria is making a debut appearance in the competition, which was last won by Tunisia in 2011.