CAF Sends Message to Nigeria, South Africa as FIFA Begins Investigation into Ineligible Player

• CAF has reacted to the news that FIFA have opened an investigation into South Africa fielding an ineligible player
• News emerged from the South African media that FIFA have notified SAFA of proceedings over Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility
• Nigeria and Benin Republic are delighted with the news, as a three-point deduction for South Africa will boost their chances

CAF has reacted to the news that FIFA have initiated proceedings against South Africa for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

South Africa committed a technical error after playing Mokoena in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matchday five match against Lesotho.

The midfielder picked up a yellow card against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe, but still played 82 minutes against Lesotho when he was supposed to be suspended.

FIFA maintained a long silence since the incident happened in March, but have recently responded to the delight of Benin Republic and Nigeria.

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FIFA officially opens case against South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena vs Lesotho

According to SABC Sport, SAFA confirmed that they have received FIFA’s official communication of multiple breaches of rules, including fielding an ineligible player.

If found guilty, Bafana Bafana will forfeit the match, which will attract a three-point deduction for them, and a gain of the same margin for Lesotho.

The potential points deduction will reshape Group C heading into the final round of matches, with South Africa, Benin, Nigeria and Rwanda having the chance to win the group.

South Africa will have 14 points and face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final matches, while Benin, with 14 points, will face Rwanda and Nigeria.

The Super Eagles, with 11 points, will play against Lesotho and neighbours Benin Republic, while Rwanda, also on 11 points, will face Benin and South Africa.

Either of the four teams can still pick up the automatic qualification ticket in Group C, with Zimbabwe and Lesotho out of contention before the final week.

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South Africa avoids punishment as FIFA releases fresh list of sanctioned teams

Only Nigeria and South Africa have featured at the Mundial. It will be a historic appearance for Benin and Rwanda if they make it. Lesotho and Rwanda did not qualify for AFCON 2025, while the other four will be in Morocco in December.

CAF sends message to Nigeria and South Africa

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has shared a post on social media after news broke that FIFA has opened proceedings against South Africa.

CAF shared four photos of the Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast national team players going through their pregame ritual with the caption together.

The timeliness of the post was suggestive, but the content did not give anything away, particularly with Nigeria and South Africa in the top frames as the Super Eagles await FIFA’s verdict.

However, the post is in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which, according to CAF Online, is 94 days away from kickoff in Morocco.

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Former NFF President defends FIFA for not deducting South Africa's 3 points

Super Eagles dropped in latest FIFA rankings

Legit.ng reported that the Super Eagles dropped in the latest FIFA rankings released after the September international break, during which they played World Cup qualifier matches.

Nigeria’s decline in the rankings table was also influenced by the home-based Super Eagles' dismal outing at the African Nations Championship.

Source: Legit.ng