South Africa face potential points deduction, boosting Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign could be given a significant boost if FIFA sanctions South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their recent match against Lesotho.

Currently leading their qualifying group with ten points, South Africa’s position is under scrutiny after the Bafana Bafana were accused of fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho on Friday.

Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, should have been suspended due to accumulating two yellow cards in earlier qualifying fixtures.

The player had been booked in the 45th minute of South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin and again in the 52nd minute of their 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe. According to FIFA regulations, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches within the same competition is automatically suspended for the team’s next fixture.

If FIFA finds South Africa guilty of the infraction, the usual sanction would involve a three-point deduction.

This would drastically alter the group standings, potentially lifting Nigeria, who currently trail South Africa by four points, closer to the top spot. Nigeria, despite a challenging qualification path, could benefit significantly from any points reduction handed to their rivals.

The situation recalls a similar instance in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, when Nigeria was penalized for fielding an ineligible player, Abdullahi Shehu, in a match against Algeria.

Despite a 1-1 draw on the pitch, Nigeria was handed a 3-0 technical loss, though they had already secured their qualification.

While FIFA has yet to release a formal statement regarding South Africa’s case, the potential for a points deduction has given Nigeria fresh hope in their quest to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

As the group remains tightly contested, every point and potential sanction could have a significant impact on the Super Eagles’ chances.