WCQ: FIFA Releases Official Communication on South Africa vs Nigeria Showdown
- FIFA has issued a statement hours before the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria
- Bafana Bafana lead with 16 points, six ahead of Nigeria, who have 10 points from two wins in seven matches
- The world's football governing body confirmed the situation in the CAF qualification group C and the possibilities
The world's football governing body, FIFA, has released an official communication hours before the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria.
Bafana Bafana head into the fixture with 16 points, six clear of Nigeria, who have 10 points, having managed just two wins from seven matches played so far.
With three matches left in the campaign for each team, the CAF qualification Group C could be decided on Tuesday, September 9.
Source: Getty Images
Benin (11 points) remains in contention for the ticket as they host Lesotho in Abidjan in another mouthwatering fixture.
Gernot Rohr's side will aim for all three points against the Crocodiles in order to charge on table toppers South Africa, who face Nigeria.
The situation in the group is so complicated that Bafana Bafana could be docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March, per ESPN.
Although FIFA is yet to make an official statement, South Africa's win over the Super Eagles could see them pick the automatic ticket, should Benin fail to beat Lesotho.
The world football governing body has reinforced the scenario in an official communication hours before Tuesday's matches.
Via its official X handle, FIFA wrote that two more teams from Africa could secure World Cup qualification after Morocco and Tunisia.
It reads:
"Two more teams could secure @fifaworldcup 26 qualification today. Egypt will qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, while South Africa will qualify if they beat Nigeria, and Benin fail to beat Lesotho."
The tweet has left fans divided in the comment section, with many making enquiries about the possible sanctions against South Africa.
@Omo_IyaElewedu replied:
"@FIFAcom what about the case of ineligible player used by South Africa against Lesotho? You guys should do the right thing."
@Xolani_khabazel added:
"The very same @FIFAcom that is refusing to update South Africa about the issue of Mokoena....are you going to deduct points or not? Pls come clean."
@Bibo_wama2 posited:
"Lesotho, if you beat Benin 🇧🇯 we will give you two mines in Joburg and we will remove the name “zamazama “ to “special mine workers."
dolpaz posted:
"Lesotho is a small country inside South Africa and still played with South Africa for WC qualification in the same group.
"That's an easy 6 points for SA. I hope @FIFACWC would investigate this mess. We know @CAF_Online is corrupt at its peak, but dont join them."
Source: Getty Images
Rohr sends message to FIFA
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Benin Republic national team coach, Gernot Rohr, has slammed FIFA and CAF for failing to act on a disciplinary case involving South Africa fielding an ineligible player.
The tactician expressed his frustration at the unexplained delay.
Source: Legit.ng
