FIFA Faces Backlash For Appointing South African Officials In Nigeria Vs Gabon World Cup Playoff

06 Nov 2025, 13:39 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

FIFA’s appointment of South African officials to handle Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon has caused a storm of protest, with fans and football figures across the country accusing the world football body of insensitivity and bias.

In a letter dated November 3, 2025, FIFA confirmed that Tom Abongile will referee the Super Eagles Vs Gabon clash, assisted by Zakhele Siwela, while Akhona Makalima will oversee Video Assistant Referee duties. The game is set for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The decision has not gone down well in Nigeria, particularly given the frosty football relations between the Super Eagles and South Africa. Earlier in the qualifiers, Bafana Bafana edged Nigeria to the automatic ticket in Group C, though they were later punished with a three-point and three-goal deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho.

That controversy left lingering bitterness between both nations. Matters worsened when South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, was quoted as saying he wished Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup. Against that backdrop, many Nigerians believe FIFA’s latest decision shows poor judgment.

“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,” a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was quoted by journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on X.

The backlash has been just as fierce online. Popular media personality @PoojaMedia wrote, “In fairness & sentiments, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs Gabon in this WC playoffs in Morocco.

“A sitting minister in South Africa on tape said he doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the WC & CAF still appointed South Africans as centre ref, AR & VAR? CAF should rethink this fast.”

FIFA’s Referees Committee, which made the appointments, insists its selections are based on competence and neutrality. South African officials are among the most experienced on the continent and are regular faces at CAF and FIFA tournaments.