Super Eagles of Nigeria currently sit third in the Group C standings of the World Cup qualification table, with Bafana Bafana topping the lead…
FIFA is opening disciplinary proceedings against South Africa over the fielding of Teboho Mokoena, which has allegedly twisted the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in Group C, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was booked twice earlier in the qualifying series, which should have automatically ruled him out of the clash against Lesotho.
However, South Africa still featured him in their 2-0 victory. Now, circa six months later, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee is reviewing the case, and a three-point deduction looms large over Bafana Bafana.
FIFA take first step in Mokoena’s yellow card saga
Per SABC, FIFA confirmed that both Mokoena and the South African Football Association (SAFA) face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations.
The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their defence.
According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, any team found guilty of fielding an ineligible player risks forfeiting the match, with the result overturned to a 3-0 defeat.
That means South Africa’s win over Lesotho could be wiped away, and Lesotho handed three points instead.
What is the latest standings of Group C?
After eight rounds of matches, South Africa sit at the top of Group C with 17 points from five wins, two draws, and just one defeat, and boast a goal difference of +8.
They are followed closely by Benin, who have 14 points from four victories and two draws, while Nigeria and Rwanda are level on 11 points each, with the Super Eagles ahead on goal difference.
Further down the table, Lesotho have managed six points, while Zimbabwe are rooted to the bottom with four points and no win to their name.
At the moment, Bafana Bafana are in the driving seat, but the looming FIFA sanction could dramatically alter the balance of power in the group.
What-if table: Deducting three points from South Africa
Should FIFA uphold Lesotho’s protest, South Africa’s win would be overturned. This would cost them three points and hand Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
In that case, Benin would remain on 14 points but move level with South Africa, who would drop from 17 to 14 points.
Nigeria and Rwanda would stay just behind on 11 points each, while Lesotho would rise to nine points—suddenly making the group far more competitive.
Such a decision would throw Group C wide open, with Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria all still firmly in contention for the single automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
What Nigeria needs to qualify first
Even if FIFA sanctions South Africa, Nigeria cannot rely solely on their decisions. The Super Eagles must win their remaining two fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
A victory in these matches would see Nigeria climb to at least 17 points and put them firmly in contention for the top spot.
Goal difference could also become decisive, meaning the Super Eagles may need to win convincingly in their remaining matches.
Nigeria urged to focus on the pitch
Former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh has already warned that chasing FIFA rulings alone will not guarantee qualification.
“Any points deduction is useless to us if we do not beat South Africa on the pitch. Nigeria must focus on winning first, and if possible, winning well because goal difference could count eventually,” Oliseh noted.
While FIFA’s decision could favour Nigeria, qualification must still be earned where it matters most. Eric Chelle’s team cannot afford a slip-up.