The Nigeria Football Federation has launched a formal protest against the Confederation of African Football's decision to appoint a South African referee for the Super Eagles' crucial World Cup qualifying match against Gabon.
In a strongly worded official complaint, the NFF expressed deep concerns over the appointment of referee Allister Kganyago from South Africa, citing potential bias and previous controversial decisions involving Nigerian teams.
Security Concerns Raised
The federation highlighted significant security worries, pointing to recent xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa as a major factor that could compromise the referee's impartiality. "Given the recent tensions between our nations, we cannot guarantee a fair and secure environment for this critical match," an NFF official stated.
Historical Precedent Cited
Nigeria's protest references previous incidents where South African officials made questionable calls against Nigerian teams. The NFF specifically mentioned a 2022 match where another South African referee's decisions were widely criticized by football analysts and fans alike.
The timing of this controversy couldn't be more critical, with the Super Eagles needing maximum points from their upcoming matches to secure qualification for the World Cup. The match against Gabon represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria's campaign.
CAF Under Pressure
Football authorities now face mounting pressure to address Nigeria's concerns promptly. The Confederation of African Football must balance fairness with practical considerations as the match date approaches rapidly.
Nigerian fans have taken to social media to support their federation's stance, with many expressing fears that the appointment could jeopardize their team's World Cup dreams. The football community across Africa watches closely as this drama unfolds.
