Finally! Super Eagles World Cup hopes receive CPR as FIFA ready hammer against Bafana

Nigeria’s Super Eagles may have received a crucial boost in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

The 28-year-old midfielder was fielded while under suspension in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on 21 March in Polokwane. Mokoena had picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024 which automatically triggers a one-match ban under FIFA rules.

In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 2025, per SABC, FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges for breaching disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player. The case has now been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, and SAFA, along with Mokoena, have six days to respond.

How South Africa’s point deduction could shape Super Eagles' World Cup dream

If the Disciplinary Committee rules against South Africa, Bafana Bafana could be forced to forfeit the match, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 win on paper.  Other sanctions, including fines or suspensions, may also follow. Such a ruling would tighten the Group C standings dramatically.

A forfeit would see South Africa’s lead trimmed, keeping them top but with a narrower margin over Benin. Lesotho would rise to nine points, still behind Nigeria, who sit on 11 points alongside Rwanda. 

This development would give the Super Eagles a renewed chance to climb the group if they can win both of their remaining qualifiers. However, even if Nigeria secure victories in their final two matches, they’ll be hoping for further slip-ups from Bafana. 

With the potential point deduction hanging over South Africa, the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification bid could gain fresh momentum, making the remaining games in October some of the most critical in recent history.