Sports Writer
A major controversy is clouding Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers, with Nigeria and Benin publicly demanding that football’s world governing body rule on South Africa’s use of an ineligible player.
The dispute stems from Bafana Bafana’s November 2023 2-0 victory over Lesotho, in which they fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
The player should have been suspended for the match after accumulating two yellow cards in previous group games.
With the final round of qualifiers set to begin this week, the silence from FIFA has left rival nations in a state of uncertainty over the true group standings and their chances of qualification.
Benin coach Gernot Rohr voiced his frustration to Reuters, stating,
“It is very, very strange. Normally, South Africa should lose three points and they should go to Lesotho. But nobody knows why FIFA has not taken this decision.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) issued a formal statement echoing the demand, insisting,
“The world still awaits FIFA’s decision.”
A FIFA ruling to award a 3-0 forfeit win to Lesotho would drastically alter the group. South Africa would drop from 13 points to 10, throwing the race for qualification wide open.
The current Group C standings are:
- South Africa – 13 points
- Rwanda – 8 points
- Benin – 8 points
- Nigeria – 7 points
- Lesotho – 6 points
- Zimbabwe – 4 points
The controversy adds immense pressure to the upcoming fixtures.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe are set to face Benin in Abidjan on Friday in a must-win match to keep their faint qualification hopes alive.
Follow Zim GBC News for the latest updates:
· X (Twitter): @ZimGbc
· Instagram: @ZimGBCNews
· TikTok: @ZimGBCNews_01
· Facebook: Zim GBC News
· YouTube: Zim GBC News
Get real-time alerts on WhatsApp:
+263 773 820 323
For in-depth coverage, visit our website: www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective©2025