Benin coach slams FIFA’s silence over alleged ineligibility amid World Cup qualifier

By Dayo Awoniyi

Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin national team, has criticised FIFA for its prolonged silence over allegations that South Africa fielded an ineligible player during a 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifier — a decision that could directly impact Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

The controversy involves Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who featured in South Africa’s match against Lesotho despite reportedly being suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. Under FIFA regulations, the use of an ineligible player should result in a 3-0 forfeit in favour of the opposing team.

Despite these clear guidelines, FIFA has yet to make an official ruling, leaving uncertainty over the current Group standings and igniting widespread debate across the continent.

In an interview with UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr called for immediate clarification from world football’s governing body.

“I’m calling on FIFA to clarify the points situation in our World Cup qualifying group,” Rohr said.

“Bafana Bafana used an ineligible player, and according to the rules, they should forfeit three points and three goals to Lesotho.”

Rohr, a former Nigeria national team coach, stressed that FIFA’s delay is undermining the integrity of the qualification process as the next round of matches looms.

“With the next round of qualifiers approaching, it’s essential — in the interest of fair play — that all teams know exactly where they stand,” he added.

“I’m genuinely surprised FIFA is taking so long to address what appears to be a straightforward matter. It must be resolved without any further delay.”

Nigeria currently trails in Group C and could benefit from any potential points deduction against South Africa. As such, FIFA’s ruling — or lack thereof — has become a point of growing concern among stakeholders across the region.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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