Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes improved after FIFA deducted points from South Africa’s qualifying campaign.
The sanction followed Bafana Bafana fielding an ineligible player, reshaping the group standings in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have received a major lift after world football body FIFA confirmed a points deduction for South Africa.
In a statement released on Monday, FIFA announced that South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, had been docked three points and three goals in the ongoing qualifiers. The penalty came after the team fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was not eligible to play in their match against Lesotho in March.
The decision dramatically alters the group standings, strengthening the Super Eagles’ chances of progressing to the next stage of the qualifiers. Nigeria, who are looking to secure another appearance at the global tournament, now stand to benefit directly from South Africa’s loss of points.
FIFA explained that strict adherence to player eligibility rules is crucial for the integrity of the competition and warned that future violations would attract similar sanctions.
