29th September 2025-Published by Cyril
The Super Eagles of Nigeria received a major lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the world football governing body, FIFA, deducted three points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Why was South Africa punished?
FIFA announced on Monday that Bafana Bafana breached competition rules by playing Teboho Mokoena in their March 21, 2025, clash against Lesotho. The midfielder was deemed ineligible, prompting FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to award a 3-0 forfeit victory to Lesotho.
Aside from the points deduction, South Africa also had three goals removed from their tally and were fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena himself received an official warning.
Group C table reshaped
Before the sanction, South Africa topped Group C with 17 points from eight matches. The deduction now drops them to second place behind the Benin Republic, opening up the group dramatically.
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The updated standings mean Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda are all still in strong contention for the group’s only automatic World Cup ticket.
What lies ahead
- Nigeria will face Lesotho and the Benin Republic in October.
- South Africa is set to battle Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
- Benin will play Rwanda before a decisive showdown against Nigeria.
With the race now thrown wide open, Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles will look to take full advantage of this unexpected boost as they aim to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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