World Cup
BREAKING! FIFA Charges South Africa Over Ineligible Player – Boost for Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a potential lifeline in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after world football governing body, FIFA, officially charged South Africa for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their Group C clash with Lesotho in March.
In a letter dated 15 September 2025, FIFA confirmed to the South African Football Association (SAFA) that both the federation and Mokoena face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations. The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA given six days to respond.
The development follows weeks of media outcry after FIFA initially overlooked the incident, despite similar cases in Africa — including Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Cape Verde— being met with forfeitures, points deductions, and fines.
Super Eagles Back in the Frame
If South Africa are found guilty, the Group C table will be reshaped in Nigeria’s favour:
- Benin Republic would move level with South Africa on 14 points, though Bafana Bafana would hold only a slender goal difference edge (+5 to +4).
- Nigeria, currently trailing, would be within touching distance of the leading pair, reviving hopes of catching up in the final rounds.
- Lesotho would benefit with three extra points, but remain outside the qualification race.
South African outlet Goal.com described the situation as “an anxious moment for South African fans, but one filled with hope for Nigeria and Benin in their quest to qualify.”
Qualification Race Wide Open
With the possibility of South Africa losing points, Nigeria could find their pathway to the 2026 World Cup more attainable. Analysts suggest that the disciplinary outcome could inject fresh motivation into the Super Eagles’ camp as they prepare for their remaining qualifiers.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s ruling, expected soon, could therefore prove pivotal not just for South Africa, but for Nigeria’s dream of returning to the global stage in 2026.
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World Cup
Nigeria Match Venue Uncertainty as Lesotho considers Port Elizabeth for Super Eagles clash
The Super Eagles may not return to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for their World Cup qualifying matchday 9 meeting with Lesotho on October 6.
The match will be played in South Africa, the ‘adopted home ground’ for Lesotho. Concerns were raised about the conditions of the stadium’s pitch in the preceding match days 7 and 8 that pitted Lesotho with South Africa and South Africa versus Nigeria.
According to South African news outlet, Soccer Lladuma, Lesotho are negotiating the venue for their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, scheduled for October 6.
The publication quoted Lesotho FA’s Secretary General Mokhosi Phillip Mohapi, as saying that Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth is the frontrunner to host the fixture, but Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein is also under consideration.
“The negotiations are just at the beginning. People bid to host games, and then it’s what they can offer. We will compare the two deals, then the one which is better…” Mohapi told Soccer Laduma.
The decision will be crucial for both teams as Nigeria pushes to secure maximum points away from home in a tightly contested group.
Lesotho’s preparations for the Super Eagles tie come amid uncertainty over FIFA’s yet-to-be-announced ruling on South Africa’s use of an ineligible player.
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The Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 World Cup may hinge on a FIFA decision involving South Africa.
Lesotho insists that South Africa’s use of suspended Mamelodi Sundowns’ midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their March 21 qualifier was unlawful and has asked FIFA to rule.
A points deduction for Bafana Bafana would place Benin level with the current group leaders, tightening the race in which Nigeria is still a strong contender.
For now, Lesotho has pledged to respect FIFA’s final decision without appeal. But as Mohapi noted, the ruling will set a precedent for all future eligibility disputes in international football.
With only two fixtures remaining for each team in the group, Nigeria faces a potentially decisive clash against Lesotho on October 6, venue yet to be confirmed.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group could be reshaped as Lesotho presses FIFA to sanction South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in March.
Lesotho Football Association Secretary General Mokhosi Phillip Mohapi, according to a South African publication, Soccer Laduma, has warned that FIFA’s handling of the protest could set a precedent, effectively allowing teams to field suspended players without consequences.
South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0 at Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 21, but later developments revealed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have featured due to suspension.
Neither Lesotho nor South Africa was aware of the suspension at the time, so no complaint was filed before FIFA’s deadline.
Nigeria and Benin, group rivals of both countries, are monitoring the situation closely. A points deduction for Bafana Bafana could alter the top of Group standings and strengthen Nigeria’s chances of qualification.
Mohapi told Soccer Laduma that Lesotho would accept FIFA’s verdict without appeal but stressed that the ruling will set the standard for future eligibility cases.
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BREAKING! FIFA Charges South Africa Over Ineligible Player – Boost for Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes
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