FIFA’s decision to appoint a South African officiating crew for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon has stirred controversy among Nigerian fans and officials, who question the neutrality of the selection.
According to a letter dated November 3, South Africa’s Tom Abongile will take charge of the first leg in Rabat, assisted by compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will handle the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. The referee assessor for the match will come from Benin Republic.
The appointments have drawn criticism in Nigeria, where tensions have long existed between both nations over football rivalries.
A senior official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), speaking to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, said the body was "baffled" by FIFA’s choice.
"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.
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| Zakhele Siwela South African association football referee. |
Nigeria reached the playoff round after Frank Onyeka’s late winner sealed victory over Benin Republic in October.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon on November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with the winner advancing to meet either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final playoff.
The decision has also provoked sharp reactions on social media.
Sports journalist Toyin Ibitoye wrote on X: "Just hearing now that @FIFAcom/@CAF_Online 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 echoed the concern: "How can CAF appoint South African officials to officiate the Nigeria vs Gabon game?"
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| Akhona Makalima International football referee from South Africa. |
X user @pamelamodella added: "A South African referee shouldn’t be officiating a Nigerian game for Christ’s sake, especially when the games are very crucial. The NFF has to do something about it."
Another user, @Don17488409, urged immediate action: "Stop wasting time, write to FIFA now and reject the officials from South Africa. When will you guys wake up? Senegal once did and the referee was changed."
Referee selections for FIFA competitions are made by its Referees Committee, which aims to ensure impartiality.
South African officials, however, are among the continent’s most experienced, having regularly officiated in CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations fixtures.
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