ABEOKUTA – Nigeria’s Super Eagles may heave a sigh of relief in their pursuit for 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, as 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.
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.”
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.
