FIFA’s decision to appoint a team of South African referees for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon has sparked outrage among Nigerian football fans and officials, who question the fairness and neutrality of the move.
The world football body, in a letter dated November 3, 2025, confirmed that South Africa’s Tom Abongile would officiate as the centre referee.
He will be assisted by compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will handle the VAR duties during the encounter.
The referee assessor for the tie, slated for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, will come from Benin Republic.
However, the appointments have not gone down well with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A senior NFF source, quoted by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on X, expressed deep concern over FIFA’s choice, describing it as “a worrying oversight considering recent tensions between both nations.”
“How can FIFA appoint a South African referee when one of their top officials openly wished Nigeria wouldn’t qualify for the World Cup? That raises questions about neutrality,” the source reportedly said.
The announcement has also ignited strong reactions across social media platforms.
Nigerian sports analyst PoojaMedia voiced his displeasure on X, writing, “In fairness and common sense, South African officials shouldn’t be officiating a World Cup playoff involving Nigeria. The optics alone are wrong.”
He further referenced a viral video in which a South African minister expressed opposition to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
“A sitting minister in South Africa publicly said he doesn’t want Nigeria to make it to the World Cup, and now CAF and FIFA appoint South Africans as referee, assistant referee, and VAR? This doesn’t sit well,” he posted, urging the NFF to lodge an official protest.
Football fans have also joined in, describing the decision as “provocative” and “avoidable,” especially given the historical football rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa.
Some supporters believe the move could psychologically affect the Super Eagles ahead of the first-leg encounter.
Despite the growing criticism, FIFA maintains that referee selections for World Cup qualifiers are made strictly by its Referees Committee to ensure transparency and balance.
South African referees are among Africa’s most respected match officials, frequently handling CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixtures.
The Super Eagles advanced to the playoff round after edging Benin Republic in October, courtesy of a late goal from Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka.
The aggregate winner of the Nigeria-Gabon tie will go on to face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final qualification phase.
As the countdown to November 13 continues, pressure mounts on FIFA and CAF to review the referee appointments, with fans insisting that fairness should take precedence over familiarity.