Salisu Yusuf says FIFA Sanction on South Africa revives Super Eagles’ World Cup dream.
Former interim coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf, believes FIFA’s sanction on South Africa has given Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup a new lifeline.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were penalised for fielding an ineligible midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, in their qualifier against Lesotho. FIFA’s ruling deducted three points and three goals from Hugo Broos’ side, throwing Group C of the African qualifiers wide open.
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What Salisu Yusuf said
Speaking exclusively to Completesports.com, Yusuf, who currently coaches Coton FC in the Benin Republic, said the ruling has provided Nigeria with “a fresh breath of hope” ahead of the final rounds of qualifiers.
“FIFA’s decision didn’t surprise me. It’s not new in football; when rules are broken, sanctions follow. That’s exactly what happened here,” Yusuf said.
He added, “The deduction has changed the dynamics of Group C and has given Nigeria another chance. But the Eagles must work hard and stay fully focused to take advantage.”
Group C now tighter than ever
Before the sanction, South Africa led the group comfortably. However, with the deduction, they now sit second on 14 points, behind Benin Republic, who top the group on goal difference.
Nigeria are third with 11 points, while Rwanda and Lesotho trail further behind.
The Super Eagles, chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, had seen their hopes dwindle after a poor start to the qualifiers under former coach Finidi George. But Yusuf insists that two wins from their remaining fixtures, including a decisive clash against the Benin Republic in Uyo, could change everything.
“If Nigeria win their last two matches, they’ll finish on 17 points. Benin could also reach 17 if they win one of theirs, while South Africa, even if they beat Zimbabwe, still face a tricky game against Rwanda. We could end up with three teams on 17 points,” Yusuf explained.
The veteran coach, who famously rescued Nasarawa United from relegation in the NPFL last season, urged the Super Eagles to draw inspiration from history.
“Nothing is impossible in football. In 1993, nobody expected Nigeria to win in Algiers, but that result sealed our first World Cup ticket for USA ’94. The same spirit is needed now. The Eagles must remain disciplined, focused, and determined to win their games,” he concluded.
Nigeria have appeared at six FIFA World Cups since making their debut in 1994, missing the 2006 edition in Germany and 2022 in Qatar.