CAF Bans South Africa Stadium from Hosting Lesotho vs Nigeria World Cup Qualifier
- CAF has rejected Bloemfontein Stadium for Lesotho’s home clash against Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers
- Lesotho has been given a September 24 deadline to secure an approved venue from CAF’s Category 3 stadium list
- Nigeria’s World Cup hopes hinge on the outcome of Lesotho securing a decent stadium for their clash
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken decisive action ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in October by banning the South African stadium initially set to host Lesotho’s crucial home clash against Nigeria.
The venue, located in Bloemfontein, had only recently been used when South Africa and Nigeria battled to a 1-1 draw in the same stadium less than two weeks ago.
Source: Getty Images
According to journalist Osasu Obayinwana in a post via X (formerly Twitter), CAF’s stadium inspection team deemed the pitch unfit to host the October 6 crucial World Cup qualifier, issuing an official notice to the Lesotho Football Association (LFA).
In its directive, CAF ordered Lesotho to look for a new venue from its list of approved Category 3 stadiums by September 24.
Lesotho faces tight deadline from CAF
For years, Lesotho has struggled to find a suitable home ground for international matches after their Setsoto Stadium failed to meet CAF’s standards.
Source: Getty Images
As a result, they have often relied on neighbouring South Africa’s facilities to host their “home” games in FIFA and CAF competitions.
CAF’s latest decision now puts Lesotho’s football administrators under immense pressure as they must act quickly to identify a replacement venue that meets CAF’s requirements.
They must also negotiate hosting agreements and ensure the match logistics are finalised, all within a short timeframe.
Failure to meet the deadline issued by CAF could have serious consequences, including sanctions or even a possible forfeit of the match.
Such an outcome would not only hurt Lesotho’s World Cup campaign but could also alter the dynamics of Group C entirely.
How does this affect Nigeria?
This development has significant implications for Nigeria as well, who are condemned to win their remaining two games in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles sit in third place in Group C with 11 points, and are trailing leaders South Africa by six points as seen on FIFA.com.
Nigeria must win against Lesotho and Benin while praying South Africa drops points in their matches in a different stadium, to stay in contention for an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Playing at a neutral or unfamiliar venue could affect the Super Eagles’ preparations and performances.
Nigeria will be hoping that the LFA secures a stadium that ensures fair competition and minimises disruption for players and fans alike.
With just days remaining before the deadline, all eyes are on Lesotho’s football authorities to make a decisive move.
The outcome will not only determine where the match is played but could also influence the Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa given unfair advantage
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria’s hopes to secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup may be over after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed that their next home game against South Africa will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The announcement has intensified frustration among Nigerian fans and media, who believe the decision hands South Africa yet another advantage in an already tight qualifying group.
Source: Legit.ng
