Luis Godinho to officiate Nigeria vs. Saudi Arabia friendly

The global governing body of football, FIFA has designated Portuguese official Luis Godinho as the referee for the international friendly match between Nigeria, three-time African champions, and Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia. The match is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Municipal de Portimão next Friday.

Assisting Godinho will be his fellow countrymen: Bruno Jesus as assistant referee 1, Tiago Costa as assistant referee 2, and Miguel Noguera as the fourth official. The match is set to kick off at 5pm Portugal time, which coincides with the time in Nigeria.

Helder Carvalho has been selected to oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room, with assistance from Bruno Vieira.

This encounter marks the second meeting between the two nations. The Super Eagles and the Green Falcons previously played to a goalless draw in a pre-2010 FIFA World Cup friendly at the Alpenstadion in Wattens, Austria on May 25, 2010.

The Eagles have another friendly lined up against Mozambique’s Mambas at the same venue on Monday, October 16, 2023, commencing at 4pm.