CAF Reportedly Appoints South African Referee Abongile Tom for Nigeria vs Gabon 2026 World Cup Qualifier

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly appointed South African referee Abongile Tom as the centre referee for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final against Gabon. The match is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Nigerian time).

According to multiple reports, the proposed officiating team for the Nigeria vs Gabon clash includes:

• Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
• Assistant Referee: Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Akhona Zennith Makalima (South Africa)
• Referee Assessor: Hugue Adjovi (Benin Republic)

The game will be held at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, with both nations battling for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.