Tension is brewing ahead of Nigeria’s crucial Continental World Cup playoff clash against Gabon, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with FIFA’s decision to appoint an all-South African refereeing team for the match.
According to a FIFA letter dated November 3, South Africa’s Tom Abongile will officiate the high-stakes encounter at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, assisted by Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will serve as VAR officials. Benin Republic’s Hugues Adjovi is set to act as referee assessor.
NFF Voices Concern Over “Hostile” Appointment
As reported by The Guardian’s Osasu Obayiuwana, senior figures within the NFF are furious about the decision, questioning FIFA’s neutrality. One unnamed official reportedly said:
“How can FIFA appoint a South African team after their sports minister openly wished Nigeria would not qualify? This is hostile territory.”
The controversy traces back to a viral clip in which South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, publicly declared that he hoped Nigeria would fail to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a comment that has now reignited cross-border football tension.
Obayiuwana further revealed that a protest letter to CAF and FIFA was initially drafted but later withheld.
“I understand, from other highly placed NFF sources who refused to be quoted, that a letter was to be sent to CAF and FIFA, but this was stopped. I leave you all to speculate on who stopped it,” he wrote.
Spotlight on Referee Tom Abongile’s Controversial Record
Lead referee Tom Abongile is no stranger to criticism. Known for his strict style in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), he has faced multiple backlashes for questionable decisions in both domestic and international fixtures.
During Cameroon’s 1–0 win over Libya, Abongile disallowed a seemingly legitimate Libyan goal and ignored a clear penalty appeal, prompting Libyan officials to file complaints to CAF and FIFA, accusing him of “corrupt and failed refereeing.”
Domestically, he was sidelined for four weeks last season after allowing Orlando Pirates to score twice from illegally advanced free kicks against Stellenbosch FC, a blunder that sparked outrage across South African media.
VAR Debuts in CAF Playoffs Amid Rising Pressure
This match will also mark the first-ever use of VAR in a CAF World Cup playoff, with Akhona Makalima, one of Africa’s top female referees, overseeing operations in the video room.
Despite Makalima and Siwela’s elite status within CAF’s refereeing ranks, their South African nationality has overshadowed their credentials in this heated context.
FIFA, however, is reportedly standing firm. Sources indicate that while the governing body acknowledges Nigeria’s unease, it sees no valid reason to alter the officiating lineup.
Focus Shifts Back to the Pitch
While off-field politics dominate headlines, the Super Eagles are expected to remain focused as they prepare for the crucial tie next Thursday.
The fixture not only determines World Cup qualification hopes but also carries immense pride for a Nigerian side under pressure to deliver amid growing scrutiny from both opponents and officials alike.
