Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrown a lifeline after FIFA opened a disciplinary case against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Teboho Mokoena.
The case follows South Africa’s 2–0 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on March 21, where Mokoena was fielded despite serving a suspension.
The 28-year-old had already received two yellow cards in the qualifiers, against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024 — which should have ruled him out of the Lesotho clash.
In a letter dated September 15, FIFA confirmed that both SAFA and Mokoena face charges for using an ineligible player. The matter has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with both parties given six days to respond.
If found guilty, South Africa risk forfeiting the match, handing Lesotho a 3–0 victory. That would alter Group C’s standings, cutting Bafana’s lead and putting Nigeria firmly back in contention for a World Cup ticket.
Currently, South Africa top the group with 14 points, two ahead of Benin. A points deduction would open the door for Nigeria, who sit on 11 points alongside Rwanda, to chase qualification in their remaining matches against Rwanda and Lesotho in October.
SAFA has not yet commented on the case.
