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| Referee Tom Abongile |
FIFA’s choice to appoint a South African refereeing crew for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff first leg against Gabon has ignited fierce backlash from Nigerian fans, who question the impartiality of the decision.
A FIFA letter dated November 3, 2025, confirmed Tom Abongile as the centre referee, supported by fellow South Africans Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima on VAR duties.
The match will take place on November 13 at Morocco’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The referee assessor assigned to the game hails from Benin Republic.
In a Punch newspaper report, a senior official from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed confusion over the appointment to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, highlighting ongoing football tensions 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,” Obayiuwana quoted the official on his X handle on Thursday.
The development, the report noted, has also triggered a wave of criticism on social media.
Media personality @PoojaMedia wrote on X, “In fairness & sentiments, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs. Gabon in this WC playoffs in Morocco.”
He referenced how a South African minister had previously said he did not want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup to express how the officiating may disfavour the Super Eagles.
“A sitting minister in South Africa on tape said he doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the WC & CAF had to appoint South Africans as the centre ref, AR & VR in a game involving Nigeria?
“Even the Ref Assessor is from Benin Republic. CAF should rethink this fast,” he said, urging the NFF to formally protest the appointments.
The Super Eagles reached the playoff round after a dramatic victory over Benin Republic in October, sealed 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.
Referee appointments for FIFA competitions are typically made by its Referees Committee to ensure neutrality.
South African officials are among the continent’s most experienced, frequently officiating at CAF Champions League and AFCON matches.
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