Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been handed a major boost in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player in the African qualifiers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, FIFA ruled that South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations by featuring midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their March 21, 2025, clash with Lesotho.
As punishment, the match was forfeited, with Lesotho awarded a 3–0 win. SAFA was also fined CHF 10,000 (about £10,000), while Mokoena received an official warning.
FIFA confirmed that the parties involved were notified of the ruling and have ten days to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
The decision has thrown Group C wide open. South Africa, previously in a strong position, have now been docked three points and are level with Benin Republic on 14 points each. Nigeria and Rwanda follow closely with 11 points apiece, setting up a tense finish in the race for the group’s sole World Cup ticket.
With the standings reshuffled, the Super Eagles — once struggling — are firmly back in contention to secure a place at the global finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
