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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An Iranian newspaper, Tehran Times, has reported that the United States government has refused to issue entry visas to Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of the national team, and seven other officials ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony.

Iran, which has already booked its place at next year’s tournament, was expected to have senior officials present at the high-profile event. However, the visa denial has raised diplomatic concerns, given the political sensitivities between both nations.

According to the Tehran Times, Taj — who also serves as Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) — has lodged a formal complaint to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, seeking intervention on the matter.

Taj is believed to have a cordial working relationship with Infantino, who has reportedly taken up the issue with U.S. authorities. There is optimism that some of the affected Iranian officials may still receive visas before the draw, following FIFA’s involvement.

Earlier in September, Infantino had personally assured members of the Iranian national team that FIFA would make every effort to resolve any visa-related challenges ahead of the World Cup events in North America, 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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