The officials of South Africa billed to officiate in highly anticipated World Cup playoff between Nigeria National team and Gabon National team scheduled for Morocco are to be replaced by
the Confederation of African Football (CAF) who reportedly bowed to mounting pressure due to the Nationality of the officials.
The appointment of South Africa’s Tom Abongile as the centre referee sparked widespread protests and heated debates among football stakeholders across the continent.
Many questioned the neutrality of the decision, citing the sensitive nature of the fixture and the regional affiliations of the officials.
CAF is now preparing to make changes to the officiating team ahead of the encounter.
CAF’s initial plan was to assign referees to the playoff matches on a regional basis rather than on merit.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final round of the playoffs in Morocco, and the new officiating crew is expected to be announced in the coming days.