World Cup
NFF Protests Appointment of South African and Beninese Officials for Nigeria–Gabon World Cup Play-off
By Kunle Solaja.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has formally lodged a complaint with FIFA over what it describes as “a clear conflict of interest” in the appointment of South African and Benin Republic officials to handle Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Gabon.
The decisive fixture is scheduled to take place at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Rabat, Morocco, next Thursday, with the winner securing a spot in the next phase of the World Cup qualification series.
According to the appointment list signed by Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers & International Matches, South Africa’s Abongile Tom will officiate as the centre referee, assisted by compatriot Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela, who will serve as Assistant Referee 2.
Another South African, Akhona Zennith Makalima, has been named head of the two-person Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team.
Hugues Alain Djovi from Benin Republic will act as the Referee Assessor.
The NFF’s protest, submitted on Wednesday night, argues that assigning match officials from South Africa and Benin Republic—two nations that were in Nigeria’s qualifying group—raises serious concerns over impartiality.
Benin Republic was eliminated in dramatic fashion, with Nigeria edging Cheetahs on the final matchday to advance.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to FIFA, the NFF maintained that “neutrality is a fundamental principle in international officiating” and that the appointments “could compromise the integrity of the match or give room for perceived bias.”
Reference can be made to recent comments by South Africa’s Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, who publicly stated that he would not want Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup. Speaking during an interview with Johannesburg’s Radio 947 days ago.
McKenzie accused Nigeria of “attempting to sabotage South Africa’s qualification campaign” and vowed that “justice will be served on the pitch.”
What the sports minister meant by sabotage was the Group C protest against South Africa’s fielding of ineligible player – an offence that other nations had been penalized for.
FIFA eventually penalized South Africa for the infringement. Most Nigerians perceived the statement by the South African sports minister as “unprofessional and inflammatory,” noting that appointing referees from a country whose senior government official has expressed hostility toward Nigeria “is at best insensitive and at worst prejudicial.”
FIFA has not yet issued an official response to Nigeria’s protest, but sources within the NFF revealed that the federation is pressing for the replacement of all match officials from South Africa and Benin Republic before the fixture.
The Nigeria–Gabon play-off is regarded as one of the most anticipated ties in the African qualifiers, with both teams fighting to stay in contention for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
If FIFA upholds Nigeria’s protest, a new set of officials from neutral countries will likely be appointed in the coming days
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Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has announced a 25-man squad for the country’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final clash against Nigeria, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, in Rabat, Morocco.
The list, unveiled during a press conference in Libreville on Thursday, features a blend of experience and emerging talent as the Panthers prepare for one of the most important fixtures in their football history.
Leading the team is captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who will spearhead the attack alongside Denis Bouanga, the in-form striker who has scored eight goals in the qualifiers. Midfield general Mario Lemina also makes the list, reinforcing Gabon’s spine with his leadership and tactical intelligence.
Aubameyang and Bouanga have formed a lethal partnership throughout the campaign, combining for 15 goals that have taken the Panthers to the brink of a maiden World Cup appearance.
Coach Mouyouma expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, highlighting the careful balance of experience and youthful enthusiasm in the squad.
“This is a defining moment for Gabonese football,” Mouyouma said. “Our players understand the magnitude of this opportunity, and we are going to Rabat with full determination to make history.”
The encounter in Rabat is expected to be a fiercely contested battle, as Gabon aim to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles seek redemption after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
With both sides eyeing a place in the playoff final — and ultimately a ticket to North America 2026 — the stakes could not be higher.
Below is Gabon’s 25-man squad for the World Cup playoff semi-final against Nigeria:
Goalkeepers: Mbaba Loce Marius, Bekale Junior,
Defenders: Mounguenou Lukas, Oyono Antony, Ekomie Jacques, Obiang Johann, Appindangoye A., Ecuele Manga Bruno, Mbemba Yannis, Moucketou Alex, Kila Onfia Mick.
Midfielders: Do Marcolino Jonathan, Kanga Guelor, Lemina Mario, Poko André Biyogo, Ndong Didier, Nze Samake, Lemina Noah, Averlant Teddy.
Forwards: Bouanga Denis, Meyo Bryan, Openda Royce, Aubameyang Pierre-Emerick, Do Marcolino Alan, Essang-Matouti Edlin.
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Super Eagles striker bags hat-trick for Galatasaray as Nigeria’s key man hits peak form
Victor Osimhen sent a powerful message ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off next week, as he netted a sensational second-half hat-trick for Galatasaray in their 3–0 away victory over Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Super Eagles talisman was in unstoppable form, showcasing the sharpness and composure that Nigeria will count on when he leads the attack in next week’s decisive encounter.
After a goalless first half in Amsterdam, Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a classic striker’s header, diving low to meet Leroy Sané’s teasing cross. Seven minutes later, he doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a handball by Ajax defender Youri Baas.
The Nigerian forward completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute with another well-taken penalty following yet another Ajax defensive blunder. The treble took his Champions League tally for the season to six goals, underlining his devastating form in front of goal.
Galatasaray’s victory lifted them to ninth place in the group standings with nine points from four matches, while four-time European champions Ajax remain winless and bottom of the 36-team table.
Osimhen’s commanding performance not only secured three valuable points for his Turkish club but also reignited optimism among Nigerian fans. With his confidence sky-high and his scoring boots firing, all eyes will now turn to the Super Eagles’ forward line, where Osimhen is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack in the upcoming World Cup play-off.
His clinical finishing, leadership, and hunger for goals could prove decisive as Nigeria aims to take a major step toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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FIFA has unveiled a new annual honour, the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World, which will be presented for the first time during the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals draw in Washington D.C. next month.
According to the world football governing body, the award aims to celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to promoting peace through football, using the sport’s universal appeal to foster understanding and unity.
“In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it is vital to recognise those who work tirelessly to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement released on Wednesday. “Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, this award will honour those whose actions inspire hope for future generations.”
The inaugural presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize will coincide with the 2026 World Cup draw on December 5, to be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where all 48 qualified teams will learn their group-stage opponents.
The draw will also mark a symbolic celebration of unity as football’s biggest event returns to North America, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly hosting the expanded tournament from June 11 to July 19, 2026 — featuring a record 104 matches across 16 cities.
The launch of the FIFA Peace Prize further reinforces FIFA’s global campaign, Football Unites the World, which seeks to highlight football’s power as a force for solidarity, understanding, and social transformation beyond the pitch.
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