FIFA’s appointment of South African match officials for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon has sparked widespread criticism from Nigerian fans, who fear the decision could compromise impartiality.
The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon on November 13 in one of the semi-finals of the African World Cup playoffs in Morocco.
The winner will advance to meet either Congo DR or Cameroon in the final, competing for Africa’s sole intercontinental playoff slot.
South Africa’s Tom Abongile has been named as the centre referee for the encounter.
He will be assisted by compatriot Zakhele Siwela, while Akhona Makalima, also from South Africa, has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Hughes Ndjovi from Benin Republic will serve as the referee assessor.
The appointments have drawn criticism because both South Africa and Benin Republic were in Group C alongside Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria defeated Benin 4-0 on the final matchday to qualify as one of the best runners-up, while South Africa topped the group to secure automatic qualification.
The controversy is further fueled by past tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.
In 2023, South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly blamed Nigeria for a FIFA sanction that punished his country for fielding an ineligible player.
McKenzie also stated he did not want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.
Suleiman Adebayo, a photojournalist known as Pooja on X, condemned the decision, saying, “In fairness and sentiments, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs.
Gabon in this WC playoffs in Morocco. 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 the Benin Republic. CAF should rethink this fast.”
Another X user, Kappo Ebenezer Sewanu, urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take action.
“The sad thing is NFF will not act on this info,” he tweeted.
“Just like they didn’t act when about three countries played their home matches in South Africa putting Nigeria at a demerit whilst SA enjoyed home support throughout the WC campaign.
”They will pay attention to little details like this, ” he added.
As of Thursday, the NFF has not issued any official statement regarding the controversy surrounding the referee appointments.
The debate over the impartiality of officials highlights growing concerns among fans as the Super Eagles prepare for a pivotal encounter that could determine their path to the World Cup.
