Fury in Nigeria as South African officials appointed for crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon
Nigerian football fans have expressed anger and disappointment over FIFA’s decision to assign South African and Beninese officials to handle next week’s World Cup playoff semifinal between Nigeria and Gabon.
The controversy stems from growing tension between Nigeria and South Africa over recent footballing disputes, with many Super Eagles supporters questioning the neutrality of the appointed referees.
According to FIFA’s announcement, South Africa’s Tom Abongile will take charge as the centre referee, assisted by compatriot Zakhele Siwela, while Akhona Makalima will serve as one of the Video Assistant Referees (VAR).
Benin’s Eric Ayimavo has also been appointed as a supporting official. The winner of the match will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final stage of the playoffs.
While South African referees are often regarded among Africa’s finest, their involvement in this fixture has triggered widespread skepticism.
Many Nigerians recall remarks made last month by South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who openly declared he did not want Nigeria to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His comments followed FIFA’s sanction against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player—a punishment McKenzie claimed was influenced by Nigerian officials.
“I want them to lose; they will not go to the World Cup, and another African country must go,” the minister said in a local interview.
Leading journalists, including Sulaiman Adebayo and Osasu Obayiuwana, have since taken to social media to urge FIFA to reconsider the appointments, arguing that referees from neutral countries should handle such decisive fixtures.
“Why will CAF appoint officials from teams who were together in the same qualifying group to officiate a big match like this?” Adebayo posted on X.
With less than a week to kickoff, the Super Eagles camp remains focused, but calls are growing louder for FIFA to act to preserve the game’s integrity and avoid further controversy.
