World Cup Playoffs: FIFA Sparks Controversy, Appoints South African Officials For Nigeria, Gabon Clash

Sampson Adedeji

Barely a week to the much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, world football governing body, FIFA, has named a team of match officials from South Africa to handle the crucial semifinal encounter between Nigeria and Gabon, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to details revealed by UK-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, FIFA appointed Tom Abongile as the centre referee, Zakhele Siwela as assistant referee, and Akhona Makalima as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Hughes Alain Ndjovi was also named as the referee assessor for the encounter.

However, the decision has sparked a wave of controversy, particularly among Nigerian football stakeholders, who have questioned FIFA’s neutrality in making the appointment.

A senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official expressed strong reservations over the choice of officials, citing recent comments from South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who reportedly stated his wish for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup.

“How can FIFA appoint a South African refereeing team for our match, after what Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s sports minister, openly said about wishing Nigeria would not qualify for the World Cup? South Africa are clearly hostile to us,” the NFF official lamented.

The development has since continued to generate heated debate across the continent, with many fans and analysts calling on FIFA to reconsider the appointment to ensure fairness and transparency in the high-stakes playoff clash.

Nigeria will face Gabon next week in a decisive tie that could determine their path to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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