NFF Protests FIFA's Appointment of South African, Benin Officials for Nigeria-Gabon World Cup Playoff

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Benin officials for Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon. The NFF argues that the appointment raises conflict of interest issues as the match officials are from countries that could benefit from Nigeria's non-qualification.

This protest comes after South Africa's Sports Minister, Gayton McKenzie, publicly expressed a desire for Nigeria not to qualify for the World Cup. The playoff is scheduled to take place in Morocco, with the winner advancing to the next phase of the World Cup qualifiers.