₦airaland Forum

FIFA has appointed a South African officiating team to handle the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup playoff first leg against Gabon, sparking strong objections from fans who have questioned the neutrality of the decision.

According to a FIFA letter dated November 3, 2025, Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee, assisted by compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will oversee VAR duties.

The referee assessor for the match, scheduled for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, will come from Benin Republic.

A senior Nigeria Football Federation official told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that the federation was “baffled” by FIFA’s decision, citing strained football relations between Nigeria and South Africa.

“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,” Obayiuwana quoted the official on his X handle on Thursday.

The development has also triggered a wave of criticism on social media.

Media personality @PoojaMedia wrote on X, “In fairness & sentiments, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs. Gabon in this WC playoffs in Morocco.”

helinues:
Would Nigeria goals be disallowed because of the referee?

There is even VAR for the play off

helinues:
Would Nigeria goals be disallowed because of the referee?

There is even VAR for the play off

Fuckyoumod:
you don't know anything about having a bias ref. Or your enemy making decisions In the center of field for you.

Yes, your goal can be disallowed by the ref. All they will do is ban him, but the damage would have been done already.

Elock1:
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE FUSS IS ABOUT, HONESTLY
THERE WAS NO SOUTHY REF OFFICIATING ANY OF THE QUALIFIERS WE PLAYED YET WE NO STILL QUALIFY DIRECTLY


ABI IF NA IF WE SCORE NOW THE SOUTHY REF GO COMOT AM, THE GOAL ABI WETIN?

helinues:
What then is the purpose of VAR and assistant referee?

ManirBK:
The should have asked Gabon to bring refree instead of appointing enemies 😠

manuelkel:
They recall referees but they don't have any decision. Refs have the final decisions. They can go with the VAR officiators or choose not to.