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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have reportedly lodged a complaint with FIFA, requesting a three-point deduction for South Africa in their World Cup qualifying campaign over the alleged ineligible participation of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, Footynaija.com reports.
Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, featured for 82 minutes before being substituted in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
However, reports indicate the 27-year-old should have been suspended for the match after accumulating two yellow cards in previous qualifiers.
The midfielder was cautioned in South Africa’s 2-1 victory over Benin Republic and again during their 3-1 win against Zimbabwe.
FIFA’s regulations clearly state that a player who receives two yellow cards across different matches in the same competition must serve a one-match suspension.
BREAKING : Nigeria Football Federation, NFF push for FIFA to deduct 3 points from South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena – ineligible player against Lesotho.#NGAZIM pic.twitter.com/5MTaFBzUVz
— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) March 25, 2025
“If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match or in two different matches of the same competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” the rulebook states.
Should FIFA uphold Nigeria’s appeal, South Africa could see their three points from the Lesotho match revoked — a scenario that would significantly boost the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing a World Cup spot.
While South Africa’s football authorities and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have yet to comment on the matter, Nigerian fans are closely watching developments, hopeful that a ruling in their favour could alter the qualification landscape.
Ahead of matchday six fixtures in the qualification series, Nigeria currently sit in fourth place, four points behind Group C leaders, South Africa.
