Exclusive: Super Eagles can still qualify, says ex-Nigeria midfielder after Bafana Bafana points deduction

FIFA has recently sanctioned the Bafana Bafana of South Africa following the fielding of ineligible player Teboho Mokoena…

Former Nigeria international Duke Udi believes the race for the 2026 World Cup from Group C is now wide open following South Africa’s three-point deduction by FIFA, Soccernet.ng reports.

FIFA’s decision to dock South Africa three points comes from the fielding of ineligible player Teboho Mokoena during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho.

The issue arose because the Mamelodi Sundowns player had two yellow cards in previous qualifiers, which should have triggered an automatic suspension.

The 28-year-old went on to play in South Africa’s win over Lesotho, and prompted Lesotho to protest and request a 3-0 victory instead.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has confirmed the deduction of three points from South Africa in the ongoing qualifiers and fined them CHF 10,000.#2026WCQ #BafanaBafana #TebohoMokoena #Lesotho pic.twitter.com/WZP7Dku5XB

— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) September 29, 2025

Duke Udi on Bafana Bafana points deduction

Having been sanction by FIFA, the former Grasshopper star believes the Nigerian Eagles now have a better chance for automatic qualification from the group.

“Now every country can qualify in that group because the group is now open with two matches to play. Our Super Eagles will win their two games, but I hope South Africa loses one of their games.” Udi told Soccernet.ng.

FIFA sanctions shake up Group C

FIFA has now upheld the protest on Bafana Bafana, overturning their previous 2-0 result to a 3-0 win for Lesotho, while South Africa lost three points and saw their goal difference drop from +2 to -3.

This dramatic ruling now leaves Group C wide open, with Nigeria and South Africa battling for direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

SAFA Under Fire

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has faced heavy criticism for administrative negligence. Journalist Clyde Tlou told Soccernet.ng:

“How could someone in an administrative role overlook such a critical aspect of football? If the team fails to qualify, the responsibility must fall squarely on Vincent Tseka — he must be held accountable.”

SAFA’s competence has been questioned before, with former coach Hugo Broos revealing that the team once missed training because officials failed to book a stadium.

Super Eagles must focus on the pitch

While Nigerian fans may see the sanction as a boost, former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh has urged caution:

“Any points deduction sanction is useless to us as Nigeria if we do not beat South Africa. Let’s focus first on winning, and if possible, winning well, as goal difference will count eventually.”

With only two matches left in the qualifying campaign, every result counts. the Super Eagles have a clear path to strengthen their World Cup hopes—but only if they perform on the pitch.