NIGERIA’S Super Eagles could have wished for another choice as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday named Egyptian Ghead Grisha as the man at the centre for the October 9 Russia 2018 qualification match against the Chipolopo of Zambiain Ndola.
The Super Eagles won the 2013 Africa Nations Cup in South Africa but had a day to forget with Grisha in a group game against Zambia.
Nigeria desperately needed a win after an initial 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso and had gone ahead with a goal by Emmanuel Emenike. However, shortly before half time, Ghead awarded Zambia a ‘soft’ penalty when Ogenyi Onazi went on an aerial challenge. Zambia’s goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene cooly slotted past Vincent Enyeama.
In a post-match meeting with the media, Enyeama alleged Grisha acted script for those who wanted to keep Zambia, then as defending champion, in the tournament.
On October 9, Grisha will be assisted by compatriots—Tahssen Abo El Sadat Bedyer (assistant referee 1), Ahmed Hossameldin Taha (assistant referee 2) and Ibrahim Noureldin (fourth official).
Also appointed is former FIFA referee Zeli Sinko (from Cote d’Ivoire), who will serve as referee assessor, while former Ghana FA president Mahamadu Nuru Deen Jawula will be match commissioner.
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