Nigerians React As FIFA Releases Official Communication Hours Before South Africa Clash
- South Africa fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho, which contradicts the FIFA rules for the World Cup qualifier
- The Nigeria Football Federation and Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr have been pushing for a statement from the world football governing body
- Nigerians have expressed worries over the delay of the punishment, pointing accusing fingers at the leadership of CAF
South Africa ran foul of FIFA rules by fielding an ineligible player during a World Cup qualifying match in 2024.
The Bafana Bafana featured Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over the Crocodile of Lesotho.
The 28-year-old got his first yellow card against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in 2023 and his second booking against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in 2024.
Source: Getty Images
The Lesotho Football Association had claimed to file a formal complaint after backlash from the Nigeria Football Federation and other football associations in the 2026 CAF Qualification Group C.
What does FIFA Disciplinary Code say?
As reported by Legit.ng, the disciplinary code of the world football-governing body mandates a player who receives two yellow cards to serve a one-match suspension.
The failure to adhere to the code according to the updated version, the country that violates it will pay a minimum fine of $7,500 and forfeit the match. It read:
"Pursuant to Article 55.1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, a team which fields an ineligible player in an official match is sanctioned by forfeiting the match and paying a minimum fine of CHF 6,000 (about $7,500).
"This is corroborated by Article 8.2 of the OFT Regulations, which states that “(…) any team found guilty of fielding an ineligible player (…) shall forfeit the match in question (…)”.
Source: Getty Images
Nigerians react
Mixed reactions have trailed the failure of FIFA to sanction South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Prince Obago said Nigerians should not expect any actions from the world-governing body due to the influence of the current CAF President. Read them below:
MI Motloenya said:
"Same story ,difference day."
Akeem Hakym wrote:
"I can't wait to hear out -come make sah favour my country NIGERIA."
Muhammad Haruna added:
"This is the more season why FIFA is silence on S/Africa."
Prince Obago Nelson said:
"What do you guys expect when CAF president is from South Africa.... CAF will use all his power to di£ the matter."
Basiru Yunusa wrote:
"They gave us Women Nations Cup to please us ahead."
FIFA give update on SA qualification
South Africa host Nigeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9.
In a post on X, FIFA said Bafana Bafana will qualify for the World Cup if they beat the Super Eagles and the Cheetahs fail to beat Lesotho.
In addition, the world governing body said the Pharaohs of Egypt will become the third African team to qualify if they beat Burkina Faso, per Goal.
Tortoise predicts outcome of Super vs Bafana Bafana
Legit.ng earlier reported that a tortoise has tipped Nigeria to score two goals against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on September 9.
The 196-year-old creature chose the number of goals when visitors placed a marker representing the West African country.
Source: Legit.ng
