Nigeria’s football authorities say they have received no official word from FIFA on whether South Africa will face sanctions for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a World Cup qualifier despite a suspension.
Reports circulated this week that FIFA had quietly cleared South Africa, but NFF spokesperson Ademola Olajire dismissed them, saying only a formal ruling would be binding.
Lesotho lodged a protest after Mokoena played in a 2-0 victory against them, despite picking up two earlier yellow cards. If upheld, the case could see South Africa lose three points and hand Lesotho a 3-0 win — potentially reshaping the Group C race.
South Africa currently top the group with 17 points, leaving Nigeria, on 11 after a 1-1 draw with Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, in danger of missing automatic qualification. The Super Eagles must beat Lesotho and Benin in October and hope FIFA’s ruling swings in their favour.
