FIFA has formally confirmed South African referee Tom Abongile because 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 essential encounter, billed for the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, will kick off at 17:00 native time (16:00 GMT) and represents a defining second in Africa’s qualification race for the 2026 World Cup.
Abongile will lead an all-South African staff of match officers, together with Zakhele Siwela and Jerson Dos Santos of Angola as assistant referees, whereas Ahmad Imtehaz Heerallall of Mauritius has been named the fourth official.
Within the VAR management room, South Africa’s Akhona Makalima will oversee video operations, supported by Maria Packuita Cynquela Rivet of Mauritius because the Assistant VAR (AVAR).
Further appointments embrace Adjovi Hugues Alain (Benin) as Referee Assessor, Saquee Prince Kai (Sierra Leone) as Match Commissioner, Kizuguto Baraka (Tanzania) as Common Coordinator, and Mahamdioua Imad-Eddine (Algeria) as Safety Officer.
The affirmation got here through a letter signed by Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers and Worldwide Matches, sighted by our correspondent.
This appointment is producing consideration from followers and analysts because it rekindles a well-recognized rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, following their tense battles within the qualifying group stage.
Nigeria narrowly missed an automated World Cup slot to South Africa, whereas Bafana Bafana forfeited factors after a disciplinary evaluation involving participant eligibility, obtained a qualification scare from Nigeria.
With one other high-stakes encounter on the horizon, all dialogue will focus on referee Tom Abongile and his staff because the Tremendous Eagles chase a spot on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
