FIFA to Deduct 3 Points From South Africa Over Ineligible Player — Boost for Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes

⚽ FIFA to Deduct 3 Points From South Africa Over Ineligible Player — Boost for Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes

By: IDNN Sports Desk

World football governing body FIFA is poised to deduct three points from South Africa’s tally in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers after they fielded Teboho Mokoena in a match for which he was suspended.

Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in previous games, featured in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho, breaching FIFA’s disciplinary rules. The offence was flagged by Nigerian media, prompting FIFA to act even without a formal protest.

A senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official according to Owngoal that the South African Football Association (SAFA) had already been informed of the breach and had accepted responsibility.

“FIFA communicated to South Africa about Mokoena’s ineligibility. They accepted the charge. We (Nigeria) are now waiting for the final decision on the points deduction,” the NFF source confirmed.

🏆 What This Means for Nigeria

If enforced, the sanction would:

• Cut South Africa’s points in the group, moving Nigeria within three points of the leaders.

• Set up a potential group decider when Nigeria face South Africa away in September.

📅 Next Steps

FIFA’s decision is expected before the next round of qualifiers. The ruling could significantly alter the dynamics in one of Africa’s most competitive qualification groups.

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