Nigeria and Benin Demand FIFA Dock Points From South Africa Over Ineligible Player
As the battle for qualification in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, Nigeria and Benin have publicly demanded that FIFA dock points from South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
They argue that the governing body’s silence risks undermining the integrity of the competition.
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FIFA’s Silence Raises Alarm
South Africa’s use of midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho — despite his suspension — has left rival nations fuming. FIFA has yet to announce a ruling, and the uncertainty comes as decisive fixtures loom.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed frustration at the lack of clarity:
“It is not normal that we don’t know the situation about the points on the log table before our games this week. It is very, very strange. Normally, South Africa should lose three points and they should go to Lesotho. But nobody knows why FIFA has not taken this decision.”
Nigeria Echoes the Call
The Nigeria Football Federation echoed Rohr’s demands in a statement this week, insisting that FIFA must act quickly.
“The world still awaits FIFA’s decision,” the federation said.
Both Nigeria and Benin believe the outcome of the disciplinary process could directly affect who qualifies from the group, especially as they remain in tight competition with South Africa at the top.
Broos Concedes Error but Holds Firm
South Africa, however, appear unmoved. Bafana coach Hugo Broos admitted to the mistake but argued that the three points should not be lost since Lesotho did not protest.
“We did something bad, we did something we shouldn’t do, but there was no complaint,” he said.
High Stakes in Group C
South Africa currently lead Group C with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin follow on eight each. Nigeria sit on seven, Lesotho on six, and Zimbabwe are bottom with four.
On Friday, Benin are set to meet Zimbabwe in Abidjan, Ivory Coast — a game whose significance could grow depending on FIFA’s response to the dispute.
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The post Nigeria and Benin Turn Up Heat on FIFA Over South Africa’s Ineligible Player appeared first on iHarare News.
