Nigerians are reportedly baffled over FIFA’s decision to appoint South African referees for the crucial World Cup playoff match against Gabon on November 13. The decision has sparked concerns of bias, especially after South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly stated he doesn’t want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.
The appointed referees include Tom Abongile as centre referee, Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee, and Akhona Makalima as Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The referee assessor is from Benin Republic. Many Nigerians, including journalists and football officials, are calling for FIFA and CAF to reconsider the appointment, citing potential conflicts of interest.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed “bafflement” at the decision, questioning how FIFA could appoint referees from a country with openly hostile sentiments towards Nigeria.
“How can FIFA appoint a South African referee after their sports minister openly said he wished Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup? South Africa are clearly hostile to us”. Osasu Obayiuwana, an NFF senior official asked.
Nigeria qualified for the 2026 World Cup playoffs on the last day after beating Benin Republic 4 – 0 in Uyo, finishing as one of the four best runners up with 17 points from 10 games in the same group with South Africa who clinched first place with 18 points also on the last day after beating Rwanda 3 – 0. The country missed out on the 2022 FIFA world cup after losing out to Ghana their other African foe after drawing 1 – 1 at home in Abuja stadium losing the qualification to the Black Stars due to away goal rule.
