The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally lodged a protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese officials for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff between Nigeria and Gabon. The NFF described the appointments as a potential threat to the Super Eagles’ chances of qualification, citing concerns about neutrality.

According to FIFA’s official match appointment list, signed by Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers & International Matches, South Africa’s Abongile Tom has been named as the centre referee. He will be supported by fellow South African assistants Zakhele Thusi and Granville Siwela, with Akhona Zennith Makalima overseeing VAR. Additionally, Hugues Alain Djovi from Benin has been appointed as the Referee Assessor.

An NFF official expressed concern, noting that both South Africa and Benin were part of Nigeria’s qualification group earlier in the campaign.

“This is clear insensitivity on the part of FIFA and CAF. Why bring officials from countries that were in the same group with Nigeria when we are facing Gabon?” the official said.

The NFF’s protest letter emphasized that neutrality is a fundamental principle in international officiating, warning that the officials’ previous proximity to Nigeria during the group stage could compromise the integrity of the match.

Tensions were further highlighted by recent comments from South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who reportedly expressed a desire for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup during a radio interview in Johannesburg.

The crucial playoff match is set for November 13, 2025, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The winner will advance to face the victor of the Cameroon vs DR Congo playoff on November 16, with the overall winner earning a spot in the Inter-Continental Play-Off in March 2026 in Mexico.