Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in the USA, have received a major boost after FIFA formally opened a disciplinary case against South Africa for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their game against Lesotho.
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Mokoena had been cautioned twice in the initial rounds, meaning he was not eligible to play against the Crocodiles of Lesotho.
Confirming the case, South Africa’s National Broadcaster SABC reported “FIFA have officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
“In a letter to SAFA dated 15 September 2025; FIFA confirmed that both the player and the association face charges of breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.
“The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA and Mokoena given six days to submit their response,” the statement concluded.
Implications
If found guilty, South Africa would forfeit the result of the match, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory on paper in addition to sanctions, such as fines or further suspensions.
If this happens, South Africa would be level on points with Benin (14) after eight matches, but would remain top of the group due to a superior goal difference of +6, compared to Benin’s +4.
Lesotho, meanwhile, would see their points tally increase from six to nine, two points behind both third-placed Nigeria and fourth-placed Rwanda, who each sit on 11 points.
Nigeria would then only be three points behind South Africa and Benin heading into the final two games against Lesotho and Benin in October.
