The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed strong concern over FIFA’s decision to appoint a South African officiating team for the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.
According to FIFA’s appointment letter dated November 3, Tom Abongile will serve as the center referee for the first-leg encounter scheduled for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. He will be assisted by fellow South Africans Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will handle assistant and VAR duties respectively. The referee assessor for the game will come from Benin Republic.
The decision has, however, generated controversy in Nigeria, with both fans and officials questioning the neutrality of the appointments.
A senior NFF official, speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, said the federation was “baffled” by FIFA’s choice, citing the strained 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 said.
Nigeria reached the playoff stage after Frank Onyeka’s late winner sealed a hard-fought victory over Benin Republic in October. The winner of the Nigeria–Gabon tie will face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final playoff round for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The appointment has also stirred criticism on social media, with many Nigerian fans calling on FIFA to review what they describe as a “conflict of interest” decision.
