The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally lodged a protest with FIFA regarding the selection of South African and Beninese officials for the upcoming World Cup qualifying playoff between Nigeria and Gabon. An NFF chieftain has characterized these appointments as a violation of neutrality and a potential threat to the Super Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA’s match appointment list, signed by Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers & International Matches, lists South Africa’s Abongile Tom as the centre referee, supported by South African assistant Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela and VAR head Akhona Zennith Makalima. Benin’s Hugues Alain Djovi has also been named as the Referee Assessor.

The NFF official expressed concern over what they see as a blatant conflict of interest, given that both South Africa and Benin were part of Nigeria’s qualification group earlier in the campaign. The official stated, “This is clear insensitivity on the part of FIFA and CAF, as both South Africa and Benin were in the same group with Nigeria. Why bring officials from these countries when we are facing Gabon?”

The NFF quickly submitted a letter of protest to FIFA, highlighting the potential for bias due to the officials’ national affiliations. The protest emphasized that “neutrality is a fundamental principle in international officiating” and warned that the officials’ proximity to Nigeria during the group stage could jeopardize the match’s integrity.

The tension between Nigeria and South Africa was underscored by recent remarks from South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who expressed his desire for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup during a radio interview in Johannesburg.

The Nigeria vs. Gabon playoff is scheduled for November 13 at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The winner of this crucial match will move on to face the victor between Cameroon and DR Congo in the next round of the African playoffs on November 16. The overall winner will secure a spot in the Inter-Continental Play-Off set for next March in Mexico.