Nigeria and Benin Demand FIFA Action on South Africa’s Ineligible Player
Lagos, Nigeria – September 7, 2025 – Nigeria and Benin Republic have intensified pressure on FIFA to address allegations that South Africa fielded an ineligible player during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, a controversy that could reshape Group C standings and boost Nigeria’s qualification hopes. The dispute centers on Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who played in South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho despite accumulating two yellow cards in prior matches, rendering him ineligible under FIFA rules.
Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, a former Nigeria coach, has been vocal in demanding swift action. “It is very, very strange. Normally, South Africa should lose three points, and they should go to Lesotho,” Rohr told Reuters, expressing frustration over FIFA’s delay in resolving the issue. “I’m calling on FIFA to clarify the points situation in our World Cup qualifying group,” he added, emphasizing the need for clarity before the final round of qualifiers.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) echoed Rohr’s sentiments, with Director of Communications Ademola Olajire stating, “The world still awaits FIFA’s decision.” The NFF noted that while Nigeria was not the direct opponent in the Lesotho match, a ruling in Lesotho’s favor could alter Group C dynamics, potentially narrowing South Africa’s six-point lead over Nigeria.
FIFA regulations stipulate that a player with two yellow cards in separate qualifying matches must serve a one-match suspension. Mokoena, cautioned in games against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024, should not have played against Lesotho in March 2025. If FIFA upholds the complaint, South Africa could face a three-point deduction and a 3-0 forfeit to Lesotho, significantly tightening the race for the group’s automatic World Cup spot.
South Africa, currently leading Group C with 13 points, excluded Mokoena from their subsequent match against Benin, a move some interpret as an admission of error. The Lesotho Football Association has lodged a formal query with FIFA and CAF, while Nigeria is reportedly preparing to do the same.
The controversy has sparked debate across African football, with some X posts suggesting South Africa may avoid sanctions due to Lesotho’s initial delay in protesting. “SAFA acted fast, Lesotho didn’t protest, and Bafana may have dodged a major bullet,” one post read. However, Rohr, drawing on his experience with Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup qualifier sanction for a similar infraction, insists FIFA must enforce consistency.
With South Africa at 13 points, Rwanda and Benin at 8, Nigeria at 7, Lesotho at 6, and Zimbabwe at 4, a FIFA ruling could shake up the group as the qualifiers near their climax. As Nigeria and Benin await FIFA’s decision, the call for fair play underscores the high stakes of World Cup qualification.