Controversy As FIFA Appoints South African Referees For Nigeria–Gabon World Cup Playoff

World football governing body, FIFA, has stirred controversy by appointing South African officials- Tom Abongile, Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima for the 2026 World Cup playoff match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Gabonese counterparts, the Panthers.

According to a FIFA letter dated November 3, 2025, Abongile will serve as centre referee, Siwela will take up the role of assistant referee while Makalima will be in charge of Video Assistant Referee, VAR.
The referee assessor for the match, scheduled for November 13 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, will come from Benin Republic.

South Africa beat Nigeria to the automatic qualification ticket in Group C. Hugo Broos’ side however nearly missed out on the ticket after they were made to forfeit three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena) against Lesotho.

South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, accused Nigerians of pushing for them to be sanctioned by FIFA. McKenzie reportedly stated his wish for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup.

The decision to appoint South African officials for the game with Gabon has sparked a wave of controversy, particularly among Nigerian football stakeholders, who have questioned FIFA’s neutrality in making the appointment.

Journalist Toyin Ibitoye wrote on X: “Just hearing now that @FIFAcom / @CAF_Online picked South African referees(including VAR) for next week’s #2026WorldCupPlayoff vs Gabon. The Referee Assessor is from Benin Republic. What manner of gang up against the @NGSuperEagles is this? #SoarSuperEagles.”

Media personality @PoojaMedia added: “How can CAF appoint South African officials to officiate the Nigeria vs. Gabon game?” X user @pamelamodella wrote: “A South African referee shouldn’t be officiating a Nigerian game for Christ sake especially when the games are very crucial. Pls the NFF has to do something about it.”

Another fan, @Don17488409, urged prompt action: “Stop wasting time, write to fifa now and reject the officials from South Africa, when will you guys wake up, Senegal once did and the referee was changed @thenff.”