Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Nigeria’s hopes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have received a boost after FIFA handed Lesotho a 3-0 victory over South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that Bafana Bafana breached competition rules by playing Teboho Mokoena in their March 21 clash with Lesotho. The match, which had originally ended 0-0, has now been awarded to Lesotho with a 3-0 scoreline.
The sanction dents South Africa’s qualification chances while strengthening that of Benin Republic and Nigeria.
Following the disciplinary ruling, here’s the updated Group C log:
Benin – 14 pts (+4)
South Africa – 14 pts (+3)
Nigeria – 11 pts (+2)
Rwanda – 11 pts (0)
Lesotho – 9 pts (–3)
Zimbabwe – 4 pts
With just a few matches left to play, the Super Eagles remain three points off the top, and the FIFA decision has made the group even more finely poised.
In addition to the forfeiture, FIFA ordered the South African Football Association (SAFA) to pay a fine of CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a warning.
SAFA has ten days to appeal the ruling before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
