The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has responded to growing public calls for sanctions against South Africa following allegations that they fielded an ineligible player during their World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had received two yellow cards in earlier matches, played 82 minutes in their 2-0 win over Lesotho, a match that could now be subject to scrutiny.
According to FIFA regulations, any player who accumulates two yellow cards in two separate matches during the qualifying series is automatically suspended for the next game, as reported by The Punch. Mokoena was cautioned in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin Republic in November 2023 and again in their 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in June 2024
Advertisement
To order your copy, send a WhatsApp message to +1 317 665 2180
Despite these bookings, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was named in the starting lineup and featured in their June 2025 clash against Lesotho.
NFF awaits FIFA decision
Reacting to the development, the NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, confirmed that the federation has not yet received any official correspondence from FIFA regarding the matter.
“We have not. That is up to FIFA. But the rule is the rule,” Olajire told All Nigeria Soccer, hinting that disciplinary actions, if any, lie solely within FIFA’s jurisdiction. While Nigeria is not the direct opponent affected by the match in question, a FIFA ruling in favour of Lesotho could lead to a point deduction for South Africa.
This development may significantly favour the Super Eagles as it could alter the standings in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers.
