Sports
FIFA appoints South African referees for Nigeria vs Gabon, fans raise concerns
FIFA has named a South African officiating team for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff first leg against Gabon, prompting concerns over neutrality from fans and football stakeholders.
According to a FIFA letter dated November 3, 2025, Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee, assisted by Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will oversee VAR duties.
The referee assessor will come from Benin Republic. The match is scheduled for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
A senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that the federation was “baffled” by FIFA’s decision, highlighting tensions in football relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
The official questioned the appointment after a South African minister publicly expressed hopes that Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup.
Social media reactions have also been critical. Media personality @PoojaMedia wrote on X, urging CAF to reconsider the appointments, stating: “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.”
The Super Eagles reached the playoff round after a dramatic win over Benin Republic in October, sealed by Frank Onyeka’s late goal.
The winner of the Nigeria-Gabon tie will face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final round of qualification.
FIFA’s referee appointments are made by its Referees Committee to ensure neutrality, with South African officials frequently chosen for CAF Champions League and AFCON matches due to their experience.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Mbappé makes history, Saka nets hat-trick as England clinch World Cup bronze with thrilling 6-4 victory over France
Gombe 2027: PDP aspirant withdraws court case, backs Pantami
Arabic Education should be integrated into national curriculum – Gov. Bala Mohammed
Obi/Kwankwaso ticket cannot win 2027 elections, NDC lone senator, Hanga says as he plots defection to APC
UNICAL moves to curb exam fraud, sacks eight staff, penalizes one
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Police nab eight suspected cultists over alleged assault on Bayelsa Varsity student
Tems makes history as first African female artist with US Diamond-certified single
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
Trump criticises Tuchel’s tactics after England’s World Cup exit to Argentina
NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya leads as voting continues after cyberattack delay
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike wins Beacon of Education Award, pledges support for children with special needs
5.0-magnitude quake rocks Southeastern Turkey
8 Public assets named after Tinubu since becoming president (Full List)
JUST IN: Three face trial over Oyo schoolchildren, teachers’ abduction
TCN announces power blackout in Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, three other Northern states
Supreme Court directs final forfeiture of Emefiele’s properties
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s son bags degree in UK
Court sentences two men to death by hanging for raping, murdering 17-year-old girl in Anambra
APC crisis deepens as Aiyedatiwa’s loyalists sue party, INEC over Ondo primaries
FG renames Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after President Tinubu
Yobe approves ₦460.8m support for Akara sellers, Women petty traders
Bauchi 2027: APC picks ex-Bala Mohammed campaign DG Faruk Mustapha as Deputy Gov candidate
Imo now one-party state, our people have decided to re-elect Tinubu in 2027, Says Uzodimma
BREAKING: Andy Burnham confirmed as UK Labour leader
It’s too early to judge Tinubu’s gov’t, Nigerians must be patient – Jide Kosoko
Court dismisses suit seeking INEC recognition of Turaki-led PDP interim NWC
