Controversy as FIFA appoints South African officials for Nigeria vs Gabon W’Cup playoff

FIFA has assigned a South African refereeing team to officiate the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon, sparking debate and criticism among Nigerian football stakeholders and fans.

According to a FIFA communication dated November 3, Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee for the first-leg encounter in Rabat, Morocco. He will be supported by fellow South Africans Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee and Akhona Makalima, who will handle VAR duties. A referee assessor from Benin Republic has also been appointed for the match.

The decision has stirred backlash, with many Nigerians questioning whether South African officials can remain fully neutral, given the recent footballing rivalry and tense diplomatic relations between both countries.

A senior NFF official, speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, said the federation was “baffled” by FIFA’s choice, citing tense football relations between both countries.

“How can FIFA appoint a South African referee after their sports minister openly said he wished Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup? South Africa are clearly hostile to us,” the official said.

Nigeria reached the playoff round after Frank Onyeka’s late winner secured victory over Benin Republic in October.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon on November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with the winner due to meet either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final playoff.

The appointment also sparked social-media criticism. Journalist Toyin Ibitoye wrote on X: “Just hearing now that @FIFAcom / @CAF_Online picked South African referees(including VAR) for next week’s #2026WorldCupPlayoff vs Gabon. The Referee Assessor is from Benin Republic. What manner of gang up against the @NGSuperEagles is this? #SoarSuperEagles.”

Media personality @PoojaMedia also questioned it, “How can CAF appoints South African officials to officiate the Nigeria vs. Gabon game?”

X user @pamelamodella added, “A South African referee shouldn’t be officiating a Nigerian game for Christ sake especially when the games are very crucial. Pls the NFF has to do something about it”

Another user, @Don17488409, urged immediate action, “Stop waisting time , write to fifa now and reject the officials from South Africa , when will you guys wake up, Senegal once did and the referee was changed @thenff”

Referee appointments for FIFA competitions are usually made by its Referees Committee to ensure neutrality, and South African officials are among the continent’s most experienced, regularly handling CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations matches.