Eromosele Omoike
South Africa – Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a lifeline in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after FIFA’s disciplinary committee stripped South Africa of three points for fielding an ineligible player in a key match. The ruling, announced on September 29, 2025, has turned a 2-0 South African victory over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, into a 3-0 forfeit loss, shaking up Group C and giving Nigeria a renewed shot at topping the standings.
The controversy revolves around South Africa’s midfielder Teboho Mokoena, a standout for Mamelodi Sundowns, who played the full match against Lesotho despite being under a one-match suspension for accumulating two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers. FIFA rules are clear: two yellows trigger an automatic ban, but South African team officials either missed or mishandled the disciplinary record, allowing Mokoena to take the field. Lesotho’s football association quickly filed a protest, and after a thorough investigation, FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled against South Africa, citing a violation of Article 55 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The penalty is severe: South Africa’s win is erased, and the match is recorded as a 3-0 defeat, deducting three points from their tally and subtracting three goals from their goal difference. Lesotho, in turn, gains the points and goals. Before the ruling, South Africa led Group C with 17 points, but now they drop to 14, level with Benin but trailing on goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda, each with 11 points, are now just three points behind, with crucial matches looming next week.
For Nigeria, this decision is a game-changer. The Super Eagles have struggled for consistency in the qualifiers but now see a clear path to challenge for the group’s top spot, which guarantees a ticket to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Social media in Nigeria is abuzz, with fans and analysts calling the ruling a “golden opportunity.” One prominent Nigerian sports commentator posted on X, “The Super Eagles are back in the race! South Africa’s slip-up is our gain—time to capitalize.”
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been hit hard, not only with the points deduction but also a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (about $12,500 USD). Mokoena himself received a formal warning from FIFA. SAFA can appeal to FIFA’s Appeal Committee or even the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but time is tight with the next qualifiers fast approaching. A SAFA spokesperson expressed regret, stating, “We accept FIFA’s decision but are reviewing our internal processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again. We’ll consider all options, including an appeal.”
This isn’t a new story in African football. In 2017, Senegal faced a similar penalty for fielding an ineligible player, costing them dearly. For South Africa, under coach Hugo Broos, this is a bitter blow. Bafana Bafana had been riding high after a strong semifinal run at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and were favorites to lead Group C. Now, their hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 hang in the balance.
For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to their upcoming matches, including a high-stakes clash with South Africa. With the group standings tightened, every goal and point will count. The Super Eagles, known for their attacking flair but inconsistent form, must seize this moment to overtake their rivals. As one fan put it on X, “South Africa’s loss is Nigeria’s gain. Let’s fly, Eagles!”
The ruling has lit a spark under Group C, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the qualifiers. For Nigeria, it’s a chance to turn hope into reality and secure a spot on the world’s biggest stage.
