FIFA has officially confirmed South African referee Tom Abongile as the match official for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ African Zone Play-Off Semifinal between Nigeria and Gabon, slated for November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.
The crucial encounter, billed for the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, will kick off at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and represents a defining moment in Africa’s qualification race for the 2026 World Cup.
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Abongile will lead an all-South African team of match officials, including Zakhele Siwela and Jerson Dos Santos of Angola as assistant referees, while Ahmad Imtehaz Heerallall of Mauritius has been named the fourth official.
In the VAR control room, South Africa’s Akhona Makalima will oversee video operations, supported by Maria Packuita Cynquela Rivet of Mauritius as the Assistant VAR (AVAR).
Additional appointments include Adjovi Hugues Alain (Benin) as Referee Assessor, Saquee Prince Kai (Sierra Leone) as Match Commissioner, Kizuguto Baraka (Tanzania) as General Coordinator, and Mahamdioua Imad-Eddine (Algeria) as Security Officer.
The confirmation came via a letter signed by Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers and International Matches, sighted by our correspondent.
This appointment is generating attention from fans and analysts as it rekindles a familiar rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, following their tense battles in the qualifying group stage.
Nigeria narrowly missed an automatic World Cup slot to South Africa, while Bafana Bafana forfeited points after a disciplinary review involving player eligibility, got a qualification scare from Nigeria.
With another high-stakes encounter on the horizon, all discussion will center around referee Tom Abongile and his team as the Super Eagles chase a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
