Our Reporter, Abuja
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 world cup got a little boost on Monday as FIFA Disciplinary Committee has handed a major blow to the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
FIFA ruled that SAFA violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations. Consequently, the match has been awarded to Lesotho with a 3-0 scoreline.
In addition, SAFA was fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning.
The ruling is expected to alter the standings in Group C of the CAF qualifiers, potentially boosting Nigeria’s chances of qualification. SAFA has ten days to request a detailed explanation of the decision and may still appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee, though the forfeiture remains binding pending review.
The Squirrels of Benin Republic now lead with 14 points from eight games, with South Africa in second place on the same points tally but with an inferior goal difference.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles remains third with 11 points, as the group has been thrown slightly open.
