2026 World Cup qualifying: after Benin, Nigeria urges FIFA to rule on the South Africa case

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has called on FIFA to rule quickly on a possible three-point deduction that could hit South Africa, who are accused of fielding an ineligible player during 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Bafana Bafana face punishment after playing Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March, even though the midfielder was suspended for yellow-card accumulation.

“The yellow-card issue is for FIFA to handle; it’s not my problem ““, Chelle said on Monday at a press conference, on the eve of the clash between Nigeria and South Africa.

” My concern is my players, who are focused on the match. But in reality, I think FIFA needs to sort this out quickly. “

A stance that echoes that of Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who had already urged FIFA to rule on the case. “Did South Africa beat Lesotho? Fine, but the game that matters is the first one, where they should lose the three points. The rules are clear. We don’t understand why FIFA and CAF haven’t decided yet”, lamented Rohr after his Cheetahs’ 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, as cited by Mega Sports.

“This isn’t normal. We have 11 points after this win. If South Africa loses three points, we’d be just two points back. What are they waiting for? It’s incomprehensible”, the Franco-German coach insisted.