World Cup playoffs: CAF to appoint new referees for Nigeria, Gabon match

By Tosin Omojola –

Indications have emerged that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) may have bowed to mounting pressure regarding the appointment of referees for the 2026 World Cup playoff between Nigeria and Gabon.

The continent’s football governing body had earlier named South African referees for the game billed for Morocco on November 13, a development that sparked protests from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials.

Apart from eliciting reactions from Nigeria, CAF’s appointment of South Africa’s Tom Abongile as the centre referee was also greeted with widespread protests and heated debates among football stakeholders across the continent.

Many questioned the neutrality of the decision, citing the sensitive nature of the fixture and the regional affiliations of the officials. However, respected journalist Osasu Obayiuwana revealed that CAF is ready to make changes to the officiating team ahead of the encounter.

“South African referee Tom Abongile will not officiate the Nigeria vs Gabon game and will be replaced soon,” Obayiuwana revealed.

“I don’t know the replacement yet, but it was a very controversial decision to appoint him for this match. There has been a lot of pressure from all corners regarding this issue,” he added, disclosing further that CAF’s initial plan was to assign referees to the playoff matches on a regional basis rather than on merit.

“The Nigeria vs Gabon game was allocated to a referee from COSAFA, the Cameroon vs Congo fixture to a referee from CECAFA, and the final to a referee from North Africa. But instead of choosing the best referees across the continent, CAF based its selections on regional representation, and that has led to the current controversy,” he explained.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Panthers of Gabon in the semifinal round of the playoffs in Morocco, and the new officiating crew is expected to be announced in the coming days.