FIFA is under growing pressure to review its decision to appoint South African referees for Nigeria’s World Cup playoff semifinal against Gabon, after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest over the move.
The Super Eagles are due to face the Panthers next week, with the winner advancing to meet either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NFF files protest over officiating team
FIFA confirmed that Tom Abongile will serve as the centre referee, assisted by Zakhele Siwela, with Akhona Makalima listed as part of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, all from South Africa.
However, concerns have mounted in Nigeria about the neutrality of the appointments following comments by South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who recently declared he does not want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup.
The NFF has now sent a formal protest letter to FIFA, copying the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Former BBC journalist Osasu Obayiuwana confirmed on Thursday via his X account that the letter was dispatched in the afternoon, outlining Nigeria’s concerns about potential conflict of interest.
Background to the controversy
McKenzie’s remarks came shortly after FIFA sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during qualification a decision some South African officials claimed was influenced by Nigerian administrators.
Teboho Mokoena of South Africa is challenged by Lehlohonolo Matsau of Lesotho during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – Photo by Icon Sport
In a radio interview with Ex Supersport broadcaster Robert Marawa , McKenzie said:
“I want to make it very clear that I wish for them [Nigeria] not to qualify. I knew what they did behind the scenes for us not to get there. I want them to lose they will not go to the World Cup.”
The comments have since heightened scrutiny over FIFA’s decision to allow South African referees to officiate a fixture involving Nigeria.
Journalists and analysts react
Several Nigerian journalists and analysts have voiced their displeasure.
Veteran broadcaster Sulaiman Adebayo wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Why will CAF appoint officials from teams that were together in the same World Cup qualifying group to officiate a big match like this? By history, this should be handled by neutral referees.”
Victor Osimehn has scored 6 goals with 1 assist in the World Cup qualifiers. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Obayiuwana added that the NFF’s protest aims to “preserve the integrity of the competition” and prevent any future perception of bias.
Nigeria’s resurgence under Eric Chelle
Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has been credited with reviving the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes since taking charge.
READ MORE:npfl-signs-%e2%82%a62bn-commercial-deal-to-expand-tv-and-data-rights
Under Chelle, the Super Eagles secured their first win on matchday five after José Peseiro drew the opening two games and Finidi George managed one draw and one defeat during his brief interim spell.
Chelle guided the team to an unbeaten finish, recording four wins and two draws as Nigeria placed second in Group C with 17 points. The three-time African champions are now hoping to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022.
Super Eagles coaching crew led by Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: Imago
Their opponents, Gabon, are chasing history. The Panthers have never qualified for a World Cup but finished just one point behind African champions Ivory Coast in Group F. They remain inspired by their legendary captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one of Africa’s most iconic forwards.
Head-to-head history
This will be the 10th meeting between Nigeria and Gabon. The Super Eagles have won five of the previous nine encounters, drawn three, and lost only once, a 2-1 defeat in 1989 World Cup qualifying. Coincidentally, neither side reached Italia ’90.
Nigeria’s most recent victory came in 2005, a 2-0 win in another World Cup qualifier, though both nations again fell short of qualification.
Other semifinal fixture
The second semifinal will see Cameroon face DR Congo later that evening at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The winners of both semifinals will meet in the final on Sunday, 16 November, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 local time.
