On November 13, 2025, Nigeria and Gabon will face each other to keep their hopes alive of becoming Africa’s 10th representative at the World Cup.
Both teams have announced their final squads for the crucial clash, which will be officiated by South African referee Tom Agbongila. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has protested this decision.
Speaking to The Guardian, an NFF official reacted strongly to FIFA’s appointment, saying:
“It’s as if someone within FIFA is plotting to make sure Nigeria does not qualify for the World Cup.”
The official continued:
“FIFA allowed South Africa to play almost all their matches on home soil — except those against Nigeria and Benin Republic. This gave them an unfair advantage. Now, they want to complete the job by appointing South African referees for a match as crucial to us as the World Cup playoff.”
“We will make sure the world knows what is happening.”
In the upcoming match, Angola’s Santos Doz and another South African, Thusi Granville, will serve as assistant referees.
Nigeria has had a fierce rivalry with South Africa during the World Cup qualifying campaign, which explains the concerns raised by Nigerian officials — concerns that FIFA may have to take seriously.