Nigeria’s World Cup hopes may hinge on South Africa’s potential point deduction resulting from the fielding of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their match against Lesotho. If successful, this may allow Nigeria to close the gap in Group C standings.
Nigeria’s aspirations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive despite a setback. The Super Eagles lost crucial points after drawing with Zimbabwe. However, South Africa faces the possibility of losing three points due to an accusation of fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their recent victory against Lesotho. Should the Lesotho FA’s protest to FIFA be successful, Nigeria could find themselves in a more favorable position for qualification.
In summary, Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intricately linked to South Africa’s potential loss of points due to fielding an ineligible player. While Nigeria remains six points behind South Africa with only four matches left, any punitive measures against the latter may enhance Nigeria’s chances. Both teams must navigate this challenging qualification process carefully as the outcome remains uncertain.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com