The NFF have fired a strongly-worded protest to FIFA against the appointment of South African referees for the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup Playoffs clash against Gabon.
They have therefore demanded for a replacement of these match officials.
The NFF complaint, which was submitted late Wednesday, said the appointment is “a clear conflict of interest”, while arguing that it raises serious concerns over impartiality as Nigeria and South Africa were engaged in a bitter group qualifying series for the same competition during which South Africa were docked three points and three goals.
The petition read in part that “Neutrality is a fundamental principle in international officiating” and that this referee appointments “could compromise the integrity of the match or give room to perceived bias”.
It would be recalled that South African sports minister Gayton Mckenzie openly declared he does not wish Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup after “attempting to sabotage South Africa’s qualification campaign”.
The centre referee (Tom Abongile), head VAR official (Makalima Akhona Zennith) and second assistant referee (Siwela Zakhele Thusi Granville) for the Super Eagles all-important clash against Gabon next Thursday are all from South Africa.
