NFF Official Releases Statement Over Claims That FIFA Has Cleared South Africa
- A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation has dismissed reports that FIFA cleared South Africa of wrongdoing for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho
- The Mamelodi Sundowns star was in action in Bafana Bafana's 2-0 win in March 2025, despite being ineligible due to two prior yellow cards
- According to the FIFA disciplinary code, the player should have served a one-match suspension, and now in South Africa risk forfeiting the match
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajide, has reacted to reports that FIFA has cleared South Africa of fielding an ineligible player in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana forward Teboho Mokena has featured in South Africa's 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, but the Mamelodi Sundowns star has received yellow cards in two previous matches.
According to the FIFA rules, the player should have served a ban in their next match, but he was in the thick of action against the Crocodiles.
Source: Getty Images
Article 51 of the FIFA disciplinary code addresses the consequences of fielding ineligible players, stating that a team may forfeit the match, typically resulting in a 3-0 defeat, and a minimum fine of CHF 6,000.
Nigeria and the Benin Republic are demanding FIFA's sanctions against South Africa, which may have a huge impact on which team picks the automatic ticket in the CAF qualification Group C to the World Cup.
Hours before the kick-off of the match involving South Africa and Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, September 9, FIFA, via its official X handle, posted that Bafana Bafana could pick the ticket to the World Cup.
"Two more teams could secure @fifaworldcup26 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 post seems to have sent panic to fans, as many suggest it could be FIFA's final position on the matter.
Meanwhile, the NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, debunked such reports, stating that they are yet to receive any official communication from FIFA on the matter.
He told NAN per Daily Post:
"There has been no official communication to that effect. What people are reporting is a tweet on their (FIFA) X account. We don’t regard that as official communication."
Rohr slams NFF, CAF
Meanwhile, Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has urged FIFA to take action against South Africa. The tactician said:
"If all goes well, we’re level on points with South Africa, who should lose three points according to the regulations because of that player who wasn’t eligible to play,” he said at his post-match conference.
“So, I don’t understand why FIFA hasn’t made a decision yet, but it’s very clear. The rules are very clear on this. At that point, we’ll be tied with South Africa, and anything is still possible.”
Source: Getty Images
South African minister trolls Nigeria
Legit.ng earlier reported that South Africa's Minister for Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, aimed a subtle dig at other Group C teams, especially Nigeria, as Bafana Bafana edge closer to qualifying for the World Cup.
Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the tournament faded, though it remains mathematically possible for the Super Eagles to make it.
Source: Legit.ng
