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.
13 Articles
13 Articles
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 …
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…
FIFA appoints South African referees for Nigeria vs Gabon World playoff, Nigerians are not happy with it
WORLD CUP PLAYOFF==FIFA appoints South African referees for Nigeria vs Gabon playoff, Nigerians are not happy with it FIFA has appointed a South African refereeing crew for Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon, with Tom Abongile set to oversee the first leg in Rabat. FIFA has appointed a South African refereeing […] The post FIFA appoints South African referees for Nigeria vs Gabon World playoff, Nigerians ar…
Nigeria vs Gabon World Cup Playoff Referees Controversy: NFF Lodges Official Protest, Cites 'Conflict of Interest'
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially protested to FIFA over what it terms a “serious conflict of interest” in the appointment of South African and Beninese officials for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon. The decisive fixture, scheduled for next Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, will determine which side advances to the next stage of the qualifiers. Read Al…
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