Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a significant lift, following reports that South Africa could face points deduction for fielding an ineligible player during their qualifying campaign.
According to South African outlet Soccer Laduma, Bafana are risk being ducted points after Teboho Mokoena was fielded against Lesotho, despite having accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches.
FIFA regulations clearly state that a player who picks up two yellow cards in different matches must serve a one-game suspension.
However, Mokoena was included in the lineup due to what has been described as a “technical oversight” by South Africa’s coaching and administrative staff.
While Lesotho did not lodge an official protest, FIFA is expected to apply its rules irrespective of formal complaints.
Sources suggest that the South African Football Association (SAFA) may have received communication from the governing body regarding the forthcoming sanction.
As a result, South Africa’s point tally in Group C would drop from 13 to 10, dramatically reshaping the group standings.
Lesotho would remain on 9 points, while Rwanda and Benin both sit on 8. Nigeria currently languish in fourth with 7 points from six matches.
This potential deduction brings Nigeria back into contention for top spot in the group.
With only the group winner guaranteed qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament in the 2026 edition.
A source quoted by Soccer Laduma commented, “An error was made, and we can’t be pointing fingers at individuals right now what happened has happened, and we can’t go back.
“Those points are gone, as tough as that is to accept, but there is more to play for to ensure qualification. An announcement is pending.”
Nigeria, now six points off the top, must win all remaining four matches and hope their rivals falter.
The Super Eagles cannot afford another slip if they are to avoid missing back-to-back World Cup appearances.
