South African referee Abongile Tom may not officiate the World Cup playoff between Nigeria and Gabon in Morocco next week.
According to information disclosed to Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, Tom “will be replaced soon.”
Surprised at the disclosure, Obayiuwana asked his source “Really? Who told you this? And who will replace him?
The unnamed source replied: “I don’t know the replacement, but it was a very controversial decision to appoint him for this game. There has been a lot of pressure from all corners…”
It was reported that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF petitioned FIFA and CAF over the appointment which may have necessitated the decision to drop the referee.
Neither FIFA nor CAF have issued any official statement on the development as at Friday.
