FIFA Under Fire For Naming South African Referees In Nigeria–Gabon World Cup Playoff

By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH

WITH just a week to the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff between Nigeria and Gabon, world football governing body FIFA has stirred controversy by appointing a team of South African match officials to take charge of the high-stakes semifinal tie.

According to UK-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, FIFA has named Tom Abongile as the centre referee, Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee, and Akhona Makalima as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Hughes Alain Ndjovi will serve as the referee assessor.

However, the decision has sparked outrage among Nigerian football stakeholders, who have questioned FIFA’s judgment and neutrality given recent diplomatic and sporting tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.

A senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official expressed deep concern over the appointment, referencing recent remarks by South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who publicly said he hoped Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup.

“How can FIFA appoint a South African refereeing team for our match after their sports minister openly wished us failure? South Africa has made its hostility clear. This is unacceptable,” the NFF official fumed.

The appointment has ignited widespread debate across the African football community, with many calling on FIFA to review and possibly change the officiating team to ensure transparency and avoid any perception of bias.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Gabon next week in a decisive playoff that could shape their route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Nigeria, the stakes couldn’t be higher — and for FIFA, the pressure is now on to prove that fair play extends beyond the pitch.