FIFA has designated a South African officiating team to oversee the Super Eagles’ first-leg playoff against Gabon for the 2026 World Cup, leading to significant backlash from fans who have raised concerns about the impartiality of this choice.
In a letter from FIFA dated November 3, 2025, Tom Abongile is appointed as the central referee, with fellow South Africans Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima assisting him in VAR responsibilities.
The referee assessor for the match, set to take place on November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, will be from the Benin Republic.
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A senior official from the Nigeria Football Federation expressed to journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that they were “baffled” by FIFA’s decision, pointing to the strained football relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
“How can FIFA appoint a South African referee after their sports minister openly stated he wished Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup? South Africa is clearly hostile towards us,” Obayiuwana quoted the official on his X account on Thursday.
This situation has also sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms.
Media figure @PoojaMedia commented on X, “In terms of fairness and sentiment, South African officials should not be appointed by CAF to officiate the Nigeria vs. Gabon match in these World Cup playoffs in Morocco.”
He highlighted a previous statement from a South African minister expressing a desire for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup, indicating that the officiating could be biased against the Super Eagles.
“A sitting minister in South Africa was recorded saying he doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup, yet CAF has appointed South Africans as the central referee, assistant referee, and VAR for a match involving Nigeria?
“Even the Ref Assessor is from Benin Republic. CAF needs to reconsider this quickly,” he urged, calling on the NFF to formally protest these appointments.
Typically, referee appointments for FIFA competitions are made by its Referees Committee to guarantee neutrality.
South African officials are among the most experienced on the continent, often officiating high-stakes matches.
