Nigerian football fans have voiced strong objections to FIFA’s decision to appoint a South African referee to officiate the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria and Gabon, scheduled for November 13 in Morocco.
According to FIFA’s announcement, Tom Abongile of South Africa will take charge of the match, supported by assistants Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will also oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations.
The appointment has triggered widespread backlash on social media, with Super Eagles supporters and sports analysts questioning the appropriateness of assigning officials from South Africa—a nation placed in the same qualifying group as Nigeria.
Critics have accused the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of bias, citing the fact that CAF’s president hails from South Africa. Others recalled remarks made by South Africa’s Minister of Sports, who once openly declared opposition to Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup.
Football stakeholders in Nigeria have therefore urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to take swift action to ensure fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the officiating in the crucial fixture.
