FIFA’s resolution to nominate a South African officiating staff for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff first leg towards Gabon has sparked outrage amongst Nigerian soccer followers and officers, who’ve questioned the neutrality of the transfer.
In keeping with a FIFA letter dated 3 November 2025, South Africa’s Tom Abongile will function the centre referee, with Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee and Akhona Makalima dealing with Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. The referee assessor for the match, which can happen on 13 November on the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, will come from Benin Republic.
A senior Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) official expressed concern over the appointment, describing it as “baffling” given the frosty soccer relations between Nigeria and South Africa. The official additionally referred to a earlier remark made by a South African sports activities minister, who had overtly acknowledged that he hoped Nigeria wouldn’t qualify for the World Cup.
“How can FIFA appoint a South African referee after their sports activities minister overtly mentioned he wished Nigeria wouldn’t qualify? South Africa are clearly hostile to us,” the official mentioned.
The choice has additionally drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the equity of the appointments.
Media character Pooja, writing on X, mentioned, “In equity and sentiments, South African officers shouldn’t be appointed to officiate Nigeria vs Gabon on this World Cup playoff in Morocco.”
Different soccer supporters additionally echoed comparable views, arguing that the choice might affect the match and known as on the NFF to lodge an official protest to FIFA.
“A sitting minister in South Africa mentioned he doesn’t need Nigeria to qualify, and CAF nonetheless appointed South Africans as referee, assistant, and VAR officers? CAF ought to rethink this quick,” one fan wrote on-line.
Regardless of the uproar, the appointments are unlikely to vary, as FIFA’s Referees Committee usually makes such picks independently to make sure neutrality and transparency.
Nigeria reached the playoff spherical after a hard-fought victory over Benin Republic in October. The Tremendous Eagles will face Gabon with the winner set to satisfy both DR Congo or Cameroon within the closing spherical of World Cup qualification.
