The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has firmly dismissed reports claiming that FIFA has exonerated South Africa in the ongoing controversy surrounding the eligibility of Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
The issue stems from South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, where Mokoena played despite allegedly being ineligible due to two prior yellow cards accumulated in earlier matches against Zimbabwe and Benin Republic.
Ademola Olajire, NFF Director of Communications, clarified the federation’s stance in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Abuja.
“There has been no official communication from FIFA to that effect. What people are reporting is a tweet on FIFA’s X account, which we do not regard as official communication,” Olajire stated, emphasizing the lack of formal correspondence from the world football governing body.
The controversy arose when Mokoena, a key midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, featured for 82 minutes in South Africa’s win against Lesotho, despite FIFA regulations mandating a one-match suspension for players receiving two yellow cards in separate matches during World Cup qualifiers.
Lesotho promptly lodged a protest, requesting FIFA to award them a 3-0 victory and deduct three points from South Africa’s tally.
The NFF has also supported calls for sanctions, citing a similar case in 2018 when Nigeria faced penalties for fielding an ineligible player.
Six months after the match, FIFA has yet to issue a formal ruling, leaving Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers in uncertainty.
If Lesotho’s protest is upheld, South Africa could lose three points, dropping from their current 17 points, while Lesotho would gain a 3-0 win. Conversely, if FIFA deems the protest invalid or improperly filed, South Africa may retain their points and avoid sanctions.
NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi expressed frustration over the delay, noting that Nigeria and other Group C teams are eagerly awaiting FIFA’s decision.
“We are waiting for FIFA to act, as this situation affects the entire group,” Sanusi said in a recent statement.
Nigeria, currently second in Group C with 11 points from eight matches following a 1-1 draw with South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, is focusing on upcoming fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October while monitoring developments.
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