FIFA has named a South African officiating crew to handle Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon, sparking outrage and concern among Nigerian football fans and officials.
According to a letter dated November 3, referee Tom Abongile will oversee the first leg in Rabat, Morocco, while Zakhele Siwela will serve as assistant referee and Akhona Makalima will be in charge of the VAR. The referee assessor will come from Benin Republic.
The appointment immediately stirred controversy, with Nigerian officials questioning FIFA’s decision given the strained football relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
A senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that the federation was “baffled” by the move.
“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 advanced to the playoff stage after Frank Onyeka’s late winner against Benin Republic in October. The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon on November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with the winner to play either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final playoff round.
The referee selection has also provoked widespread reactions on social media. Sports journalist Toyin Ibitoye wrote on X:
“Just hearing now that FIFA/CAF 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?”
Media personality @PoojaMedia also questioned the move: “How can CAF appoint South African officials to officiate the Nigeria vs Gabon game?”
Another X user, @pamelamodella, said, “A South African referee shouldn’t be officiating a Nigerian game, especially when the games are very crucial. The NFF has to do something about it.”
Similarly, @Don17488409 called for immediate action: “Stop wasting time, write to FIFA now and reject the officials from South Africa. Senegal once did and the referee was changed.”
As the debate continues, the NFF has yet to release an official statement on whether it will formally protest the appointments ahead of the November clash.
