US EditionW/Cup Playoffs: Controversy as FIFA Appoints South African Officials for Super Eagles vs Gabon
FIFA's appointment of three South African referees for the Nigeria vs Gabon playoff raises concerns amid a tense football rivalry and controversies over player eligibility.
- On Thursday, FIFA appointed a team of South African match officials to handle the 2026 World Cup playoff between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Panthers of Gabon.
- After a penalty involving Teboho Mokoena, South Africa's qualification drew attention as FIFA penalised the team, but they still secured the group's top position.
- FIFA's appointment list names Tom Abongile as centre referee, Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee, and Akhona Makalima as Video Assistant Referee .
- Some Nigerian football analysts and stakeholders raised bias concerns after the appointment, citing tensions and South Africa's Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie's recent wish for Nigeria not to qualify.
- At El Barid Stadium in Rabat on Thursday, 13 November, Gabon national team, the Panthers, meet the Super Eagles of Nigeria as Nigeria aims to secure one of Africa's final 2026 FIFA World Cup tickets.
16 Articles
16 Articles
World Cup Playoff: Nigeria awaits FIFA verdict after protest over South African, Beninese officials for Gabon tie
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in a protest letter submitted late Wednesday, argued that assigning officials from South Africa and Benin Republic—two nations that were in Nigeria’s qualifying group—creates a “serious conflict of interest” and undermines the principle of neutrality required in international officiating.
World Cup Playoffs: FIFA names South African officials for Super Eagles vs Gabon clash
World football’s governing body, FIFA, has appointed a team of South African match officials to handle the 2026 World Cup playoff fixture between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Panthers of Gabon. According to the appointment list released by FIFA, Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee, with Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee, while Akhona Makalima has been designated as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The development comes amid …
CAF referee appointment for Nigeria-Gabon playoff sparks outrage
FIFA’s appointment of South African match officials for Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against Gabon has drawn criticism from fans who fear potential bias.The Super Eagles face Gabon on November 13 in Morocco, with the winner advancing to play either DR Congo or Cameroon for Africa’s slot in the intercontinental playoff.South Africa’s Tom Abongile has been named centre referee, assisted by compatriot Zakhele Siwela, while Akhona Makalima serves as …
Fans Protest As FIFA Names South African Referee For Nigeria Vs Gabon Clash
FIFA has appointed a South African officiating team to handle the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup playoff first leg against Gabon, sparking strong objections from fans who have questioned the neutrality of the decision.According to a FIFA letter dated November 3, 2025, Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee, assisted by compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will oversee VAR duties.The referee assessor for the match, scheduled f…
FiFA announces officials for Nigeria vs Gabon World Cup qualifier
CAF has officially confirmed the appointment of an all-South African officiating crew for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Gabon. The match, which is expected to be intense given both nations’ ambitions to secure early qualification points, will be handled by one of Africa’s most respected sets of officials. The referee, hailing from South Africa, will be assisted by fellow countrymen who will serve…
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