FIFA has appointed South African referees to officiate Nigeria’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon, sparking outrage among Nigerian fans. The crucial match will take place on November 13 in Morocco, with the winner facing either Congo DR or Cameroon for a place in the intercontinental playoff.
Tom Abongile of South Africa will serve as centre referee, assisted by compatriot Zakhele Siwela, while Akhona Makalima will oversee the Video Assistant Referee. Hughes Ndjovi from Benin Republic has been named the referee assessor for the game.
The decision has drawn criticism from Nigerians on social media, who described it as unfair given that Nigeria, South Africa, and Benin were all in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers. South Africa topped the group to qualify automatically, while Nigeria advanced as one of the best runners-up.
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Public concern intensified after South Africa’s sports minister, Gayton McKenzie, previously stated he did not want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup. Some Nigerian fans and commentators have urged the Nigeria Football Federation to challenge FIFA’s decision before the playoff begins.
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