Eric Chelle Reacts to South Africa’s Impending Three-Point Deduction Ahead of 2026 WCQ
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts about South Africa’s possible three-point deduction
- South Africa breached FIFA rules after fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena during the win over Lesotho
- The world football governing body has yet to provide details about the incident, six months after it happened
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts about the possible three-point deduction FIFA could impose on South Africa.
Bafana Bafana fielder Teboho Mokoena during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier Group C matchday five 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March.
Source: Getty Images
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was ineligible for the match after receiving two yellow cards in previous matchdays, but was erroneously fielded, playing over 80 minutes.
South Africa will be docked three points and three goals, which will be awarded to Lesotho if FIFA acts on the incident, though there has yet to be any information.
There are growing concerns from the fans that the world governing body is unlikely to act on the incident because of the timing and possible politics.
Chelle speaks about South Africa's possible punishment
Head coach Eric Chelle has responded to questions about the possible deduction ahead of Nigeria's crucial qualifier match in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Chelle, speaking at his pre-match conference from the Toyota Stadium, waved off questions about the points deduction, insisting his focus is on his team.
“This is a big game, and we know that,” he said. “We are focused only on tomorrow, not what happened yesterday or the day before,” he said as quoted by IOL.
“I’m just a coach. I lead my team. What happens around this game, including the yellow card situation? It is something for FIFA to handle. It’s not my problem,” he added.
“My only problem is my players, and they are focused.”
Source: Getty Images
The possible points deduction will boost Nigeria’s chances of securing the automatic ticket, as it will reduce South Africa's advantage.
Bafana Bafana are currently first in Group C, six points ahead of the Super Eagles with three matches to go, and a win tomorrow will move them closer to their first tournament since 2010, as noted by The Observer.
Nigeria must win their remaining three matches, including against South Africa at Bloemfontein tomorrow, and against Benin Republic and Lesotho in October.
Chelle understands the importance of the matches ahead, hence isn't allowing for the distractions and rather has his team focused on the tasks ahead.
There are concerns over the pitch in Bloemfontein, which is primarily a rugby pitch. South Africa players have also raised concerns after their match against Lesotho, but Chelle believes they can have a good match.
“We are happy to be here in South Africa. I’m just a little surprised because tomorrow we’ll be playing in a rugby stadium, but I believe it’s a good stadium,” he said.
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Nwabali, Chukwueze confident of victory
Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles stars expressed confidence ahead of Tuesday's must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against South Africa.
Stanley Nwabali, who plays in the South African top-flight league and England-based Samuel Chukwueze are confident that Nigeria will secure all three points.
Source: Legit.ng
