Lesotho FA U-turn: Super Eagles left hanging in Teboho Mokoena eligibility saga – Report

The Lesotho Football Association have reportedly withdrawals their complaint to FIFA about South Africa fielding an ineligible player for their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers last Friday. 

South Africa have been doing well in the World Cup Qualifiers as they sit first in Group C with 13 points, five points ahead of Rwanda, who sit second.

However, they appear to have hit a snag, as it was discovered that in their game against Lesotho, they used Teboho Mokoena – who was supposed to be ineligible – due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

According to a previous report from Soccernet.ng, Lesotho sent an official complaint to FIFA on the issue. And if the FIFA disciplinary sits on the matter, they risk getting a three-point deduction and a fine.

But in a new development, per Oga Nla Media, the Lesotho Football Association appear to have made a u-turn. This is as they have reportedly withdrawn their complaint to FIFA.

According to @Cosimo_diMedici via @54footballx Football Booth;

The General-Secretary of Lesotho Football Association has confirmed that, they are withdrawing their complaint to FIFA about South Africa using an ineligible player.

The COSAFA politics. Let’s see how FIFA will…

— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) March 27, 2025

Lesotho and South Africa are in the southern part of Africa. In fact, Lesotho is enclosed by South African territory. So, they share a lot in common and could have reached this decision due to their close ties. Moreover, South Africa have a more realistic chance of making the World Cup than Nigeria.

What does this mean for Nigeria?

According to Football expert Osasu Obayiuwana, whether Lesotho withdraw their complaint or not, FIFA will still sit on the issue. If they do, and the Bafana Bafana are ducked points, Group C could experience a big change.

However, if they don’t, it could potentially put paid to Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as South Africa would remain on 13 points and would need two win from their last four games and a healthy goal difference to top Group C.