South Africa Coach Breaks Silence Over Possible 3 Point Deduction As World Cup Qualifiers Return
- Hugo Broos has finally reacted to reports that South Africa could be docked three points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- The Nigeria Football Federation are calling on FIFA to sanction Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho
- The World Cup qualifiers return as South Africa and Nigeria will clash in Bloemfontein on September 9
The head coach of the South African national football team, Hugo Broos, has finally opened up to reports that his team could lose three points in the World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana are top of the CAF qualification Group C with 13 points, with Rwanda and Benin having 8 points, while Nigeria has 7 points after six matches.
However, South Africa could be docked three points for fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 win over Lesotho back in March.
Source: Getty Images
The forward had accumulated two yellow cards, one against Benin in November 2023 and the other during their match against Zimbabwe in July 2024, per Channels TV.
The Nigeria Football Federation are pressing on the FIFA to award 3 points and three goals to Lesotho.
Should the world's football governing body make the decision, Bafana Bafana will have their points reduced to 10, which could be of huge advantage for the Super Eagles.
Reacting to the scenario ahead of their next fixture, which is also against Lesotho, Hugo Broos said his team will focus on the upcoming matches.
He said in a press conference:
"First, I think it's strange that Nigeria is coming with this now, 9 months after the game. But it's their right.
"We have a good case because the rules are clear: the protest has to come from the team we played, Rwanda, within a certain time, and they didn't.
"So, I don't think there will be any deduction. We focus on the games ahead."
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will host Rwanda on Match Day 7 of the qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 6.
Three days later, they face group leaders South Africa in Bloemfontein, a match which could potentially decide the team heading to the Mundial.
Broos names squad for Lesotho, Nigeria
Meanwhile, Hugo Broos announced his final 23-man squad for next month's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches and included a Nigerian player.
Securing victories in both matches will move Bafana Bafana close to qualifying for the World Cup scheduled to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
However, a loss to Nigeria and the impending three-point deduction could derail their momentum and bring the Super Eagles back into the race.
Source: Getty Images
The tactician has included Hannover 96’s Ime Okon, who is of Nigerian descent, and it raised eyebrows among fans.
Chelle reacts to possible sack rumours
Legit.ng earlier reported that Eric Chelle reportedly reached out to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after rumours emerged that he could be sacked after the African Nations Championship.
Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles in January, succeeding Finidi George, who resigned after just two matches as permanent manager in June 2024.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
