FIFA Is Under Fire for Appointing South African Referees for Nigeria’s World Cup Playoffs
Nigerians argue that there is a conflict of interest in FIFA’s choice to deploy South African officials to the Super Eagles’ playoff matchup against Gabon.
Nigerians are furious at FIFA’s selection of a South African match officials for their country’s World Cup playoff match against Gabon, claiming that the selection raises questions about bias.
In one of the two semi-finals of the African World Cup playoffs being held in Morocco, the Super Eagles will meet Gabon on November 13. The victor will progress to the final for Africa’s only spot in the intercontinental playoffs, where they will face either Cameroon or Congo DR.
Tom Abongile of South Africa will serve as the center referee for the match between Gabon and Nigeria. Compatriot Zakhele Siwela will support him, and South African video assistant referee Akhona Makalima will act as the VAR. Benin Republic representative Hughes Ndjovi will serve as the referee assessor.
Nigerian supporters have criticized the appointments because, during the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, South Africa and the Benin Republic were in Group C with Nigeria. The last day saw Nigeria defeat Benin 4-0 to earn a spot among the top runners-up, while South Africa won the group to guarantee a spot in the World Cup.
The dispute grew more intense after previous hostilities between the two countries. Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s sports minister, has accused Nigeria of being the cause of a FIFA suspension that penalized his nation for fielding an ineligible player. Additionally, McKenzie made it known that he did not want Nigeria to earn a spot in the World Cup.
Photojournalist Suleiman Adebayo, who goes by Pooja on X, denounced the decision, stating, “In fairness and sentiments, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs. Gabon in this WC playoffs in Morocco.”
He went on, “In a game involving Nigeria, the CAF had to designate South Africans as the center referee, AR, and VR after a sitting South African minister stated on tape that he didn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup. A member of the Benin Republic is even the referee assessor. CAF needs to reconsider this quickly.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was urged to step in by Kappo Ebenezer Sewanu, another X user. He tweeted, “It’s unfortunate that NFF won’t do anything about this information.” “For example, they did nothing when roughly three South African counties played their home games, which hurt Nigeria while SA had home crowds during the World Cup campaign.” This and other small details will be taken into consideration.
The NFF has not yet responded to the controversy with a formal statement.
