Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a major lift in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s official decision to deduct three points from South Africa in the ongoing qualification campaign, according to Soccernet.ng.
Since March, Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers has been mired in controversy after South Africa was found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, midfielder Teboho Mokoena, during their match against Lesotho on March 21.
Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in his first two qualifier matches, which should have resulted in an automatic suspension for the Lesotho fixture. Despite this, South Africa included him in the lineup.
The matter lingered unresolved for months, with FIFA remaining silent until recently when it was disclosed that the governing body had formally opened an investigation into the incident.
On Monday afternoon, FIFA officially confirmed that South Africa violated the rules by fielding Mokoena in the match.
Consequently, FIFA has ruled the match a forfeit against South Africa, resulting in a three-point deduction and a three-goal penalty. Additionally, the South African Football Association has been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately ₦18.6 million).
South Africa has a ten-day window to appeal the decision.
Impact of South Africa’s Sanction on Group C Standings
This ruling effectively awards Lesotho a walkover victory for the disputed match.
Prior to the penalty, South Africa held 17 points with a +6 goal difference. Post-sanction, their tally drops to 14 points and a +3 goal difference.
Benin Gernot Rohr” width=”2464″ height=”1760″ />Lesotho benefits directly, moving from six to nine points, with their goal difference improving from -6 to -3.
Significantly, Benin now shares the same points as South Africa but climbs to the top of the group due to a superior goal difference of +4.
After FIFA’s deduction of South Africa’s points for fielding an ineligible player, here’s the updated Group C table with two matches remaining.
Nigeria’s remaining fixtures:
Lesotho (away)
Benin (home)South Africa’s remaining fixtures:
Zimbabwe (away)
Rwanda (home)… pic.twitter.com/Qfzkp3x6Q9– Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) September 29, 2025
Currently, the standings in Group C are: Benin leading, South Africa second, Nigeria third, followed by Rwanda, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.
Opportunities for Nigeria’s Super Eagles Following FIFA’s Decision
The recent FIFA ruling has intensified the competition for the World Cup spots, making the qualification race more unpredictable.
Hugo Broos greets players during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, qualifier match between South Africa and Zimbabwe at FNB Stadium” width=”360″ height=”180″ />Both Benin and South Africa now face immense pressure, as their qualification hopes hinge on winning their remaining matches convincingly.
South Africa’s upcoming fixtures include an away game against Zimbabwe and a home match versus Rwanda, which are comparatively favorable.
Conversely, Benin must travel for their final two games against Rwanda and Nigeria, making their path more challenging.
For Nigeria, the path to qualification remains steep. The Super Eagles must rely on South Africa dropping points in their last two matches or suffering a heavy defeat.
Additionally, Nigeria needs to secure emphatic victories over Benin and Lesotho to improve their goal difference sufficiently.
Nigeria Super Eagles” width=”2560″ height=”1708″ />Ultimately, the Super Eagles’ destiny is not entirely under their control. Had they triumphed over South Africa in their previous encounter, their chances would be far more promising.
As it stands, Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup rest on a combination of favorable results, unwavering dedication, and perhaps a bit of fortune.