By Anamati Inyang | November 6, 2025
FIFA’s decision to appoint a South African refereeing team for the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup playoff first leg against Gabon has sparked strong objections from Nigerian fans, who have questioned the neutrality of the appointments.
According to a FIFA letter dated November 3, 2025, Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee, assisted by compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will oversee VAR duties. The referee assessor for the match, scheduled for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, will come from Benin Republic.
A senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that the federation was “baffled” by FIFA’s decision, citing tense football relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“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 was quoted saying on Obayiuwana’s X handle on Thursday.
The announcement has also triggered widespread criticism on social media.
Media personality @PoojaMedia wrote on X, “In fairness and sentiment, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs. Gabon in this World Cup playoffs in Morocco. Even the Referee Assessor is from Benin Republic. CAF should rethink this fast,” urging the NFF to lodge a formal protest.
The Super Eagles reached the playoff round after a dramatic victory over Benin Republic in October, secured by Frank Onyeka’s late winner. The winner of the two-legged tie between Nigeria and Gabon will face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final qualification round.
FIFA Referee appointments for competitions of this magnitude are typically made by its Referees Committee to ensure neutrality. South African officials are among Africa’s most experienced referees, frequently officiating in CAF Champions League and AFCON matches.
Despite this, fans and officials remain concerned over potential bias, reflecting the growing tension ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures.
