Nigeria Challenges FIFA Over South African Referee Appointment for World Cup Playoff

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has vowed to protest FIFA’s appointment of South African referee Tom Agbongila for the Super Eagles’ crucial 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon on November 13 in Morocco.

FIFA’s Head of Qualifications and International Matches, Gordon Savic, confirmed Agbongila’s selection in a message to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the participating nations on Wednesday. The 33-year-old South African will be assisted by Angola’s Santos Doz and another South African, Thusi Granville.

Officials in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room include Ahmad Imthaze and Packuita Gynquela from Mauritius, and South Africa’s Makalima Zennith. Adjovi Hugues-Alain from Benin Republic will serve as referee assessor, with Sierra Leone’s Prince Kai as match commissioner and Algeria’s Mahmdiona Imad-Eddine as security officer.

A senior NFF official, who spoke anonymously, described the appointment as unacceptable, citing recent tensions between Nigeria and South Africa.

The source noted:

It is as if there is somebody in FIFA plotting to see that Nigeria does not qualify for the World Cup... They allowed South Africa to play most of their games at home, giving them an undue advantage. Now, they want to complete the job by picking South Africans for our playoff against Gabon… We will let the whole world know what is happening.

Meanwhile, the NFF delegation will depart for Morocco tomorrow to prepare for the team’s arrival. The group, which includes members of the coaching crew and support staff, will fly to Rabat with the team’s logistics and equipment. The Super Eagles are expected to arrive from their clubs in Europe between Sunday and Monday, while head coach Eric Chelle is set to release the final squad list today.