28.4 C
Lagos
Sunday, October 26, 2025

Mail

spot_img
HomeSportsFootballNigeria World Cup Hope Rekindles After FIFA Punish South Africa 3-Points

Nigeria World Cup Hope Rekindles After FIFA Punish South Africa 3-Points

- Advertisement -

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been hit with sanctions by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Teboho Mokoena, who should have been suspended after two yellow cards, played in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. FIFA has now overturned that result, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.

The ruling docked Bafana Bafana three points and fined SAFA CHF 10,000. Mokoena also received a formal warning.

The decision drops South Africa from the top of Group C to second place, now tied on 14 points with Benin Republic but behind on goal difference.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles remain third with 11 points, and suddenly have a lifeline in their push for qualification.

Nigeria’s Renewed Chance

The ruling means Nigeria must now seize the opportunity when they face Lesotho and Benin Republic in their final fixtures.

Victory in both matches could swing the table in their favour and restore belief in a campaign that has frustrated fans so far.

SAFA has vowed to fight back. The body described the punishment as “unprecedented” and claimed it was delivered “without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments.”

President Dr. Danny Jordaan apologised to fans, calling it an “administrative oversight” but insisted the team remains focused.

He confirmed that SAFA has requested written reasons and will appeal within FIFA’s 10-day window.

South Africa now face an uphill task. Their final two qualifiers — against Zimbabwe on October 10 in Durban and Rwanda on October 14 in Mbombela — will be decisive.


Will the appeal succeed and restore their points, or will this ruling become a turning point that shifts the balance in Group C to Nigeria’s dying hopes? Comment.
0
Will the appeal succeed and restore their points, or will this ruling become a turning point that shifts the balance in Group C to Nigeria's dying hopes? Comment.x
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Keep exploring...

Spanish La Liga: Barcelona Fires 5 Past Sevilla with Lewy and Torre Brace

Barcelona cruised to a 5-1 victory over Sevilla in La Liga, with Robert Lewandowski and Pedri leading the charge. The win sets the stage for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid.

LeBron and Son, Bronny Make History as First Father-Son Duo in the NBA

LeBron James and his son Bronny become the first father-son duo to play together in an NBA regular season game, making history in the Los Angeles Lakers' 110-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Click Target 💠 For Your Local Weather Update

Lagos
broken clouds
29.3 ° C
29.3 °
29.3 °
71 %
3kmh
74 %
Sun
28 °
Mon
31 °
Tue
31 °
Wed
30 °
Thu
31 °

Places to travel

Related Articles

Flick Banned from El Clásico After Double Yellow vs Girona

Barcelona’s attempt to overturn Hansi Flick’s red card has failed, meaning the German coach...

Chelsea Crush Forest 3–0 as Maresca’s Young Guns Shine Bright

Chelsea delivered a commanding 3–0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in...

Morocco Makes History for Africa, Wins U-20 World Cup Over Argentina

Morocco stunned the football world on Sunday night in Santiago, Chile, defeating Argentina 2–0...

Nigeria to Face Gabon in 2026 World Cup Qualifier Playoff

Nigeria will face Gabon, while Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in...

South Africa’s Sports Minister: I Don’t Want Nigeria at 2026 World Cup

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has again stirred fresh...

CAF Picks Morocco to Host 2026 World Cup Playoff

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially named Morocco as host of the...

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Argentina Fire 4-0 Blitz to Crush Nigeria

Argentina's U20 side lit up the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos with a ruthless...

FIFA Confirms U-20 World Cup Round of 16 Fixtures — Nigeria to Face Argentina

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will meet hosts Argentina in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Round of 16 after finishing with four points from their group. The full fixtures reveal a thrilling knockout stage lineup, packed with surprises and tough pairings…
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x