Super Eagles' hopes of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may have received a significant boost, Soccernet.ng reports.
Reports circulating in the Nigeria media outlets suggests that South Africa could be penalized for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured for Bafana Bafana in the match played in Polokwane, but he had already received yellow cards on matchday one against Benin and on matchday four against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, according to FIFA and CAF rules, players who receive two yellow cards in separate matches are automatically suspended for the following game.
Despite this regulation, Mokoena played 82 minutes against Lesotho which is a clear violation of the disciplinary rules if confirmed.
South Africa fielded an ineligible player vs Lesotho.
Teboho Mokoena (Yellow Card 54 mins ) vs Benin- Match Day 1
Teboho Mokoena ( Yellow Card 52nd minute ) vs Zimbabwe -Match day 4
He should have been suspended for a game vs Lesotho, but he played. @thenff pls investigate.— Lanre Fasuan (@lanrefasuan) March 25, 2025
The situation has raised serious questions about South Africa’s compliance with eligibility standards during the qualifiers.
Although the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to comment officially, the matter is likely to be investigated, and if South Africa is found guilty, they could forfeit the three points gained from that win.
How do FIFA’s yellow card rules work?
FIFA’s disciplinary guidelines for World Cup qualifiers state that once a player accumulates two yellow cards across different matches, they must sit out the next match.
This suspension must be served immediately, and failure to do so means the player is considered ineligible for the match in which they participate.
In Mokoena’s case, his yellow cards in two previous group matches should have triggered a suspension for the clash against Lesotho.
Since he played, South Africa now risk being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player which is a serious offence under both FIFA and CAF regulations.
What Happens If South Africa Loses Three Points?
If CAF confirms that South Africa broke the rules, the result against Lesotho could be overturned. In such cases, FIFA often awards a 3-0 victory to the opposing team — which, in this case, would hand the win to Lesotho.
More importantly, South Africa would lose three vital points in Group C. That scenario would drastically change the group standings and benefit Nigeria, who are still within reach of the top spot.
OMO! SOUTH AFRICA COULD BE DEDUCTED 3 POINTS?
Was Teboho Mokoena Ineligible? – TAG @CAF_Online & @FIFAcom oh pic.twitter.com/0zuAikOwQR
— Football Fans Tribe ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) March 25, 2025
The Super Eagles could leapfrog South Africa depending on their remaining results, which improves their chances of booking a ticket to the World Cup in North America.
