The NFF is reportedly unhappy with FIFA’s appointment of a South African refereeing team for the Nigeria’s Continental World Cup playoff match against Gabon.
FIFA’s letter dated November 3 appointed an all South African cast of Tom Abongile, Zakhele Siwela, and Akhona Makalima (VAR official) for the high-stakes clash at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Benin Republic’s Hugues Adjovi will serve as the referee assessor.
Per Osasu Obayiuwana (The Guardian), the decision has ignited fury within the NFF, with a senior official anonymously declaring:
“How can FIFA appoint a South African team after their sports minister openly wished Nigeria would not qualify? This is hostile territory.”
The backlash stems from a viral video in which South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, stated that he hoped Nigeria would fail to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Obayiuwana also reports that:
“I understand, from other highly placed NFF sources who refused to be quoted, that a letter was to be sent to CAF and FIFA, but this was stopped. I leave you all to speculate on who stopped it.”
NFF yet to release a public statement
Tom Abongile, known for his strict officiating in the PSL, has faced criticism for controversial decisions in high-profile matches.
His international officiating drew ire from Libya after Cameroon’s 1-0 win, during which he disallowed a legitimate Libyan goal and refused a clear penalty, prompting Libyan officials to lodge complaints with FIFA and CAF.
They accused him of acting as Cameroon’s “12th player,” exacerbating what they called “corrupt and failed refereeing” in Africa.
Abongile was also sidelined from PSL matches for about four weeks following his most infamous blunder in a clash between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC last year, when he allowed the former to score twice from illegally advanced free kicks.
Also read: Osimhen Hat-Trick Heroics Propel Galatasaray into UEFA Champions League Top 10
Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima are seasoned CAF elite officials, but their nationality has overshadowed their credentials FIFA appoints referees for World Cup qualifiers independently, drawing from CAF’s elite panel.
Sources indicate that the body is aware of Nigeria’s discomfort but sees no grounds for reversal.
This marks the first use of VAR in CAF World Cup playoff history, placing extra pressure on Makalima in the video room.
Despite the controversy, Nigeria’s camp is expected to remain focused ahead of the tie next
Thursday.
The post NFF Disgruntled Over Appointment of South African Referees for Nigeria-Gabon Playoffs appeared first on Latest Sports News In Nigeria.