The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially protested to FIFA over what it describes as a “clear conflict of interest” in the appointment of South African and Beninese officials for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon.
The match is set for next Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The winner will move on to the next stage of the qualification series.
According to FIFA’s appointment list, South Africa’s Abongile Tom will serve as centre referee, with fellow South Africans Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima assisting. Benin Republic’s Hugues Alain Djovi is listed as Referee Assessor. 
In its protest letter, the NFF argues that officials from countries previously in Nigeria’s qualifying group—especially South Africa and Benin Republic—could compromise the neutrality of the match. Benin was eliminated after Nigeria’s final group-stage win, while South Africa faced FIFA sanctions following Nigeria’s protest over an ineligible player.
The NFF emphasized that neutrality is essential for fair officiating and warned that the current appointments could “create a perception of bias.”
Tensions escalated after South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly stated he would prefer Nigeria not to qualify, accusing Nigeria of sabotaging South Africa’s campaign.
Many Nigerians have criticized the comments as “unprofessional,” and called FIFA’s appointments “insensitive.”
FIFA has not yet responded to the protest, but sources say the NFF is pushing for a complete replacement of the appointed officials.
The Nigeria vs Gabon clash is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the African qualifiers, with both teams vying for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.