World Cup (Q): Nigeria appeals against officials assigned to playoff match

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally protested to FIFA over the selection of South African and Beninese officials for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.

An NFF chieftain has argued that the appointments violate the principle of neutrality, potentially undermining the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

This comes after the official FIFA match appointment list named South Africa’s Abongile Tom as the center referee, to be assisted by compatriots Zakhele Thusi and Granville Siwela with Akhona Zennith Makalima heading the VAR team. The match’s assessor will be Hugues Alain Djovi of Benin.

The NFF official expressed concern over what they see as a blatant conflict of interest, given that both South Africa and Benin were part of Nigeria’s qualification group earlier in the campaign:

“This is clear insensitivity on the part of FIFA and CAF, as both South Africa and Benin were in the same group with Nigeria. Why bring officials from these countries when we are facing Gabon?”

Expressing deep concern over the officials’ national ties, the NFF immediately 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.

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.

Trending NOW: Nigerians want refs for crucial playoff vs. 🇬🇦 Gabon changed.

Ref: TOM Abongile (🇿🇦 RSA)
Assist: SIWELA Granville
VAR: MAKALIMA Zennith
Match delegate: ADJOVI Alain, 🇧🇯 BEN

Context: Nigeria beat Benin to the playoffs, and they are not good friends with RSA atm.… pic.twitter.com/Mopj634iOX

— Mr Kay’s Travel Club TV (@interviews84209) November 7, 2025

Nigeria trades tackles with Gabon on November 13 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with the winner of this match to face the victor between Cameroon and DR Congo in the final round of the African playoffs on November 16 at the same venue.

The overall winner will secure a spot in the inter-continental playoff set for next March in Mexico.