World Cup (Q): FIFA sticks with South Africa referees for Nigeria vs Gabon

Prior to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reported appeal, South African referee Tom Abongile is set to be in charge of Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifier Playoffs clash against the Panthers of Gabon at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

The official match programme which has yet to be changed sees Abongile as the centre referee, while fellow South Africans Siwela Thusi Granville and Makalima Zennith will be second assistant referee and head VAR, respectively.

Earlier the NFF submitted a letter of protest to FIFA. The federation argued that the principle of neutrality, a fundamental principle to international matches, was at risk. They warned that the officials’ geographical proximity to Nigeria’s group stage created an unacceptable potential for bias that could jeopardize the match’s integrity.

There is tension between Nigeria and South Africa

Both Nigerian officials and fans have kicked against the appointment of South African match officials on the back of a bitter qualifying campaign involving Nigeria and South Africa.

The tension between the three-time African champions and South Africa was recently highlighted by South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who openly stated his desire for Nigeria to fail to qualify for the World Cup during a radio interview.

However the three time African champions will take on the center stage on Thursday in one of the two semi finals against Gabon as their chase for 2026 world cup qualification continues.

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