Outrage Erupts! Nigerians Criticize FIFA For Choosing South African Match Officials

FIFA’s decision to appoint South African officials for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon has sparked widespread outrage, with fans and football stakeholders accusing the global body of insensitivity and potential bias.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a November 3, 2025, letter, FIFA confirmed that Tom Abongile will serve as the referee for the Super Eagles versus Gabon match, assisted by Zakhele Siwela, while Akhona Makalima will oversee Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties. The playoff is scheduled for November 13 at Morocco’s Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The move has drawn sharp criticism in Nigeria, particularly due to the strained football relations between the Super Eagles and South Africa. During the qualifiers, Bafana Bafana initially beat Nigeria to the automatic qualification spot in Group C, only to later lose three points and three goals for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

The controversy left lingering resentment, which intensified after South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly expressed his hope that Nigeria would fail to qualify for the World Cup. Many Nigerians now view FIFA’s latest appointment as a questionable choice.

“How can FIFA appoint a South African referee after their sports minister openly said he wished Nigeria wouldn’t qualify for the World Cup? South Africa are clearly hostile to us,” a senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana on X.

The backlash has been equally pronounced online. Media personality @PoojaMedia wrote: “In fairness & sentiment, South African officials shouldn’t be appointed by CAF to officiate Nigeria vs Gabon in this WC playoff in Morocco. A sitting minister in South Africa publicly said he doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the WC, and yet CAF appointed South Africans as referee, assistant, and VAR? CAF should rethink this fast.”

FIFA’s Referees Committee, however, maintains that its appointments are based strictly on competence and neutrality. South African officials are among the most seasoned referees on the continent and regularly serve in CAF and FIFA tournaments.