Why Gabon Was Denied a Penalty Against Nigeria in World Cup Playoff

• The Panthers of Gabon were denied a penalty during the second half of the World Cup playoff against Nigeria
• Birmingham defender Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled the shirt of a Gabonese player during a free kick in the box
• South African referee Abongile Tom checked the pitch-side monitor but decided against a penalty

The Panthers of Gabon were denied a penalty in the second half of their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Nigeria despite VAR intervention.

Birmingham defender Bright Osayi-Samuel pulled the shirt of Gabonese player Aaron Appindagoye in the box during a free kick, and the Panthers protested.

South African referee Abongile Tom consulted the video assistant referee and checked the pitch-side monitor, but decided against giving a penalty.

The shirt pull in the box was clear, but the referee adjudged that the pull was easy and did not influence Appindagoye’s movement, hence waving off the penalty appeal.

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More details to come.

Source: Legit.ng