CAF appoints South African referee Abongile Tom to officiate Nigeria-Gabon World Cup playoff

South African referee Abongile Tom has been appointed as the centre referee for the crucial World Cup playoff between Nigerian and Gabon.

Both teams missed out on automatic World Cup qualification and are set to participate in a mini tournament to determine their fate for global showpiece.

The playoff structure sees Nigeria face Gabon, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco. The winners will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

With the playoff commencing on November 13, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has settled on the South African referee to handle the much-anticipated clash.

Abongile Tom will be assisted by his compatriots, Zakhele Thusi (assistant 1) and Granville Siwela (assistant 2), with Akhona Zennith Makalima serving as the Video Assistant Referee.

The game will be held at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, with both nations battling for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.