Despite trailing South Africa by six points in the standings, Nigeria’s position could improve if the Bafana Bafana face sanctions over the Teboho Mokoena eligibility controversy.
Raymond Hack, a former member of the FIFA Disciplinary Council, has clarified that Nigeria lacks the legal basis to challenge the yellow card dispute involving Teboho Mokoena, according to Soccernet.ng.
Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has been embroiled in uncertainty since March.
Following the March fixtures, it emerged that South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena in the match against Lesotho despite his ineligibility. Mokoena had accumulated yellow cards in his first two appearances, which should have ruled him out of that game.
South Africa, however, have not acknowledged any breach of regulations and have continued to include Mokoena in their squad.
Neither FIFA nor CAF have issued any official statements regarding the matter, adding to the confusion.
Raymond Hack has provided insight into the situation, emphasizing that Nigeria is not directly involved and therefore cannot file a formal protest. According to him, only Lesotho, as the affected party, holds the right to raise a complaint.
“Nigeria’s only opportunity to protest the Mokoena case would be if they face South Africa and the player in question is listed on the team sheet. In that scenario, they must inform the referee and the team captain beforehand,” Hack explained to SoccerBeat.
“While anyone can submit a complaint, the validity and grounds for such a protest are what truly matter. Protests must adhere strictly to the rules. Unless Nigeria’s protest concerns player eligibility or the official team sheet for their match against South Africa, it’s unlikely to be entertained.”
Upcoming Clash: South Africa vs Nigeria – Will Mokoena Feature?
Amid the mokoena-yellow-card-saga-what-you-should-know-before-bafana-bafana-face-nigeria/” title=”… yellow card saga: What you should know before Bafana Bafana face Nigeria”>ongoing dispute, South Africa is set to host Nigeria at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein this Tuesday.
Hack reiterated that Nigeria’s chance to protest hinges on Mokoena’s participation in the upcoming fixture. Given his key role under coach Hugo Broos, it appears likely that Mokoena will be in the starting lineup.
And so it ends at Free State Stadium #BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/cf6mtesenu
– Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 5, 2025
Nigeria will be hoping that the Mokoena eligibility issue works in their favor, potentially resulting in South Africa forfeiting three points and a goal difference penalty, which would significantly boost the Super Eagles’ qualification prospects.
Regardless of the controversy, the Super Eagles must secure a victory in Bloemfontein to maintain their World Cup ambitions. Any result short of a win could dash their hopes, irrespective of any disciplinary actions against South Africa.
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