Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have just received an unexpected lifeline following a selection controversy involving South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena.
Reports indicate that the Bafana Bafana midfielder should have been suspended for their Matchday 5 clash against Lesotho due to accumulated yellow cards. Mokoena received his first booking during South Africa’s opening qualifier against Benin (Matchday 1) and picked up another yellow card against Zimbabwe (Matchday 4). According to FIFA rules, a player who collects two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension.
Despite this, Mokoena played 81 minutes in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho, potentially violating FIFA’s regulations. If the six-game suspension rule applies to the ten-match qualification format, South Africa could face a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
This development could significantly impact Group C standings, where Nigeria is struggling to secure a World Cup spot. South Africa currently leads the group with 10 points, followed by Benin (8), Rwanda (7), and Nigeria (6). If FIFA confirms a points deduction, the Super Eagles could find themselves back in strong contention for qualification.
As Nigeria prepares for crucial matches against South Africa and Benin, this controversy could reshape the race for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All eyes are now on FIFA’s decision, which could tilt the balance in favor of the Super Eagles.
