By IBRAHIM T. LOT
Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a major boost Monday after world football governing body, FIFA, sanctioned South Africa for fielding an ineligible player in their qualifier against Lesotho.
The development has reshaped the complexion of Group C and reopened Nigeria’s chances of reaching next year’s tournament in North and Central America.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee ruled that South Africa breached competition rules by fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, despite the 28-year-old being suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
As a result, FIFA has imposed a 3-0 forfeit against South Africa.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) was also fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500, £9,340), while Mokoena was issued with a warning.
The ruling has blown Group C wide open.
South Africa, who were previously top of the table, have now dropped to second place, behind Benin on goal difference.
Only the group winners are guaranteed qualification for the World Cup.
This leaves the group delicately poised, with Nigeria and Rwanda both just three points behind Benin and South Africa.
Benin will travel to face Rwanda and Nigeria in the last two rounds of fixtures between October 10 and 14, while South Africa must play away to Zimbabwe before hosting Rwanda.
How Nigeria can qualify
For the Super Eagles, winning the remaining games against Lesotho and Benin is critical.
The clash against the Benin Republic will be decisive, as victory in that match effectively cancels out one of Nigeria’s biggest rivals for qualification.
Securing those wins with a healthy goal margin would further strengthen Nigeria’s position.
Meanwhile, both Benin and South Africa still have to play Rwanda, who are level on points with Nigeria and remain in contention for qualification.
Nigeria will also need South Africa to drop at least three points from their remaining six, and for Benin to falter as well.
With Gernot Rohr’s Benin side still within reach, Nigeria’s fate largely remains in their own hands, especially with the crucial fixture against their West African neighbours approaching.
Ultimately, topping the group remains the surest path to qualification.
Seventeen points, the maximum Nigeria can accumulate, is unlikely to be enough to qualify as one of the best second-placed teams, making group victory essential.