The controversy surrounding the appointment of match officials for next week’s Nigeria–Gabon FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off appears to have deepened, as respected Nigerian-British journalist Osasu Obayiuwana revealed that South African referee Abongile Tom may no longer officiate the crucial fixture.

Obayiuwana, a long-standing African football correspondent and governance analyst, disclosed details of a private exchange on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday evening, citing an informed contact within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) system.

In the conversation, his source reportedly confirmed that referee Abongile Tom, who had been originally designated to handle the match scheduled for Thursday, November 14 in Rabat, Morocco, “will not officiate Nigeria vs Gabon and will be replaced soon.”

“Really? Who told you this? And who will replace him?” Obayiuwana asked in the exchange.

His contact replied: “I don’t know the replacement, but it was a very controversial decision to appoint him for this game. There has been a lot of pressure from all corners…”

The source further revealed that CAF’s initial referee allocation process for the play-off series was based on regional representation rather than strict merit or performance ranking — a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

“For the Nigeria vs Gabon match, it was allocated to a referee from @COSAFAMEDIA (Southern Africa), and the Cameroon vs Congo game to a referee from @Cecafaonline (East Africa), with the final match being allocated to a referee from North Africa,” the contact explained.

“Instead of giving the matches to the best referees on the continent, referees were appointed on a regional basis. This is wrong and responsible for the current situation.”

The revelation follows growing disquiet in Nigeria after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest to FIFA and CAF earlier this week over what it described as “questionable and regionally biased” referee appointments.

The NFF’s protest particularly objected to the choice of South African officials — citing potential conflict of interest, given the long-standing football rivalry and geopolitical tensions between Nigeria and South Africa within CAF’s decision-making structures.

As of Friday morning, CAF had yet to issue an official statement on the reported change of officials or to confirm who will now take charge of the Nigeria–Gabon fixture, which will determine one of Africa’s final qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the stakes high and questions swirling over transparency in referee appointments, CAF’s handling of the situation is likely to come under renewed scrutiny — both from national federations and from the global football community.

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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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