-
CAF Appoints All-South African Officials for Nigeria vs Gabon World Cup Qualifier
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that an all-South African officiating team will take charge of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash between Nigeria and Gabon.
The encounter, scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, promises to be a fiery contest as both nations battle for early qualification points in their group campaign. With both sides eager to make a statement, CAF has turned to one of the continent’s most trusted refereeing crews to maintain order on the pitch.
South Africa’s Tom Abongile will officiate as the centre referee for the first leg, which is set to be played in Rabat. He will be supported by compatriots Zakhele Siwela and Akhona Makalima, who will serve as assistant referee and VAR official, respectively. Another South African will operate as the fourth official, rounding off a complete lineup from the Rainbow Nation.
The appointment reflects CAF’s confidence in South Africa’s refereeing system, which has consistently produced some of the most respected officials on the African continent.
Beyond the technical assignments, CAF’s decision underlines a broader commitment to fairness, consistency, and the continuous elevation of officiating standards across African football.
South African referees have earned global recognition for their discipline and professionalism, qualities CAF is keen to showcase in a match of this magnitude.
The stakes remain high for both sides. The winner of the Nigeria vs Gabon fixture will go on to face the victor between Cameroon and DR Congo in the next round, setting up what could be another thrilling West-Central African showdown.
Match Details at a Glance
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Gabon (2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – First Leg)
- Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Venue: Rabat, Morocco
- Referee: Tom Abongile (South Africa)
- Assistant Referee: Zakhele Siwela (South Africa)
- VAR Official: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
CAF’s decision to entrust an all-South African crew with such a decisive fixture reinforces the continent’s growing pool of top-class referees, a sign that African football continues to evolve, not just in talent, but in the quality of those enforcing the rules of the game.