FIFA has triggered backlash after selecting a team of South African referees to officiate the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Panthers of Gabon.
Tom Abongile has been appointed as the centre referee, with Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee, while Akhona Makalima, also South African, will oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties.
The controversy stems from recent tensions between both nations. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured the automatic qualification spot in Group C, edging out Nigeria. However, they almost lost their ticket when FIFA awarded a three-point and three-goal deduction for fielding Teboho Mokoena, an ineligible player, against Lesotho.
Some South African officials accused Nigeria of reporting them to FIFA for sanction, and the country’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, was widely quoted expressing a desire for Nigeria to miss out on the World Cup.
The appointment of South African match officials has therefore sparked anger among Nigerian football fans and analysts, who are questioning FIFA’s neutrality ahead of such a crucial fixture.
The Super Eagles will meet Gabon in the playoff semi-final next Thursday at the El Barid Stadium in Rabat.