The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been given a lifeline to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after South Africa had three points deducted due to fielding an ineligible player, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bafana Bafana were top of Group C with 17 points following their 1-1 draw against Eric Chelle’s side in Bloemfontein earlier this month.
However, FIFA has ordered for three points to be chalked off after Hugo Broos’ side were found guilty of breaching the FIFA disciplinary code by fielding a suspended Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v. Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier game.
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How Group C looks for Nigeria
The Republic of Benin are the biggest benefactors of South Africa’s points deduction. Bafana Bafana didn’t only drop points, the match was awarded as an automatic 3-0 victory to Lesotho, meaning three goals were deducted too, and as a result, Gernot Rohr’s side are now top of Group C.
For Nigeria, there’s hope again, as the initial six points gap between the three-time AFCON winners have now been cut down to three, with two games left to play.
Can the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Eric Chelle’s men can still directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, although under very strict conditions as finishing second in the group isn’t an option.
To finish top of Group C, the Super Eagles have to;
- Win their remaining two World Cup qualifying games (against Benin Republic and Lesotho)
- Score an average of five goals across these two games without conceding a goal to stay afloat by goal difference, just in case they’re joint top by points gotten
- Hope that South Africa and Rwanda drop points in their upcoming fixtures in the October International break.
While the Super Eagles still stand a chance to participate in the maiden edition of the 48-team World Cup tournament, they’ll be needing help from elsewhere.