By Parrot Newspaper 2026 World Cup: Super Eagles Hopeful as South Africa Face FIFA Sanctions
FIFA Scrutiny Puts South Africa’s Qualification Hopes at Risk
The Super Eagles of Nigeria could receive a major boost in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign as Group C leaders, South Africa, face possible FIFA sanctions for fielding an ineligible player during their recent 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
If FIFA enforces its rules, South Africa may be stripped of the three points from the match, potentially reshaping the standings and keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
* Teboho Mokoena’s Eligibility Controversy
The controversy surrounds midfielder Teboho Mokoena, a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns, who should have been suspended for the game against Lesotho.
Mokoena’s Yellow Cards in the Qualifiers
November 2023: Booked in the 54th minute during South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin Republic.
June 2024: Received another yellow card in the 52nd minute against Zimbabwe (3-1 win).
Despite accumulating two yellow cards in separate matches, Mokoena started and played 82 minutes against Lesotho, a violation of FIFA’s suspension rules.
—
FIFA Rules on Suspensions
According to FIFA’s disciplinary code:
“If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match (in matches decided by penalties) or in two different matches of the competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”
This means South Africa’s win over Lesotho could be nullified, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory by default—a common FIFA ruling for ineligible player cases.
—
What This Means for Nigeria’s Qualification Hopes
With five matches played, South Africa currently leads Group C with 10 points, but a three-point deduction would bring them down to seven points, shaking up the standings.
Current Group C Standings (Before Possible FIFA Action)
1. South Africa – 10 points
2. Benin Republic – 8 points
3. Rwanda – 7 points
4. Nigeria – 6 points
A decision against South Africa would narrow the gap, allowing Nigeria to get back in contention for the automatic qualification spot.
—
Will FIFA Take Action?
For South Africa to be penalized, a formal protest must be lodged by Lesotho or any other Group C team within FIFA’s stipulated timeframe. If no protest is submitted on time, the result may stand.
Meanwhile, The Lesotho Football Association, LFA, has officially written to FIFA, challenging South Africa’s use of midfielder Teboho Mokoena in last Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier
South Africa faces Benin Republic next in Abidjan, a match that could further impact the group’s standings.
With the 2026 World Cup ticket still up for grabs, all eyes are now on FIFA’s decision and how it could reshape Nigeria’s qualification chances.