*Referee assessor from Benin Republic
By Ola Kay
The international governing body of football association, FIFA has appointed a South African officiating team to handle the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup playoff first leg against Gabon, a decision resulting in serious objections from the Nigerian fans who have doubts about possibilities of a fair play.
The Pinnacle Times gathered that 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.
But 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 journalists that the federation was “baffled” by FIFA’s decision, going by frosty football relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The official said via his X handle on Thursday that, “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 decision has also sparked social media reactions, especially among Nigerian fans who were baffled by FIFA’s choice.
Ola Kazeem, an online journalist condemned the decision by stating that it is clearly against the spirit of sportsmanship and capable of giving the South African side undue advantage over the Super Eagles.
” I wonder why FIFA didn’t consider the likely sentiments before settling for South African officials in a crucial playoff,” he said, adding that even the South African sports minister had equally voiced his histilty openly by not wanting shing Nigeria well.
Also, writing on his X about the development, a media personality @PoojaMedia said: “In fairness & sentiments, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs. Gabon in this WC playoffs in Morocco.”
Like Mr. Kazeem, he referenced how a South African minister had expressed the wish for Nigeria to the world cup qualifier for the World Cup.
“A sitting minister in South Africa on tape said he doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the WC & CAF had to appoint South Africans as the centre ref, AR & VR in a game involving Nigeria?”
“Even the Ref Assessor is from Benin Republic. CAF should rethink this fast,” he said.
He called on the NFF to, as a matter of urgency formally protest the appointments.
Other members of netizens reacted in opposition to the decision made by the FIFA committee. They were unanimous in condemning the appointment of South African officials, claiming that it is likely to cause bias.
Recall that the Super Eagles landed the playoff chance following an impressive win over Benin Republic in October, garnered by Frank Onyeka.
In the playoff fixtures, winner of the two-legged tie between Nigeria and Gabon will face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final qualification round.
FIFA Referees Committee usually makes appointments for football competitions to ensure neutrality.
About The Author
