FIFA has stirred controversy by appointing South African officials for the 2026 World Cup playoff between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Panthers of Gabon.
Tom Abongile will serve as centre referee, Zakhele Siwela will take up the role of assistant referee, while another South African, Akhona Makalima, will be in charge of Video Assistant Referee, VAR.
Bafana Bafana of South Africa beat Nigeria to the automatic qualification ticket in Group C.
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Hugo Broos’ side, however, nearly missed out on the ticket after they were made to forfeit three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player (Teboho Mokoena) against Lesotho.
South African officials accused their Nigerian counterparts of pushing for them to be sanctioned by FIFA.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Sports Minister, reportedly stated his wish for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup.
The decision to appoint South African officials for the game with Gabon has sparked a wave of controversy, particularly among Nigerian football stakeholders, who have questioned FIFA’s neutrality in making the appointment.
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semi-final of the playoffs at the El Barid Stadium, Rabat, next Thursday.
