By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a major boost following confirmation that world football’s governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
South Africa are under investigation for featuring midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a qualifier against Lesotho in March, despite the player having accumulated two yellow cards that should have ruled him out of the fixture.
Until now, FIFA had maintained silence on the matter, sparking concerns among Nigerian fans. However, South African broadcaster SABC reported that on 15 September FIFA formally notified the South African Football Association (SAFA) of the disciplinary action against both Bafana Bafana and Mokoena.
According to the letter, both the association and the player have six days to respond to the charges. If found guilty, South Africa, who currently top Group C, risk losing three points and three goals in addition to possible fines and suspensions.
Such a ruling would see Bafana Bafana drop to 14 points, level with Benin but ahead on goal difference (+6 compared to Benin’s +4). Nigeria would remain third on 11 points, three adrift of the top two.
The development means South Africa would need to win their final two qualifiers – away to Zimbabwe and at home against Rwanda – to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.
For the Super Eagles, however, the disciplinary case offers a potential lifeline in their faltering qualification campaign.
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